New data released from international health and demographic surveys show that Nigeria’s life expectancy ranking has declined further compared to other countries, highlighting persistent challenges in public health, healthcare access, and social infrastructure.
According to the report, Nigeria now ranks among the lowest globally in life expectancy, with average life spans falling behind regional peers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The decline is attributed to multiple interlinked factors including high maternal and infant mortality, prevalence of communicable diseases, underfunded health systems, inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, and rising non-communicable illnesses.
Health policymakers expressed concern that gains made in disease control over the last two decades are being eroded by systemic weaknesses in the health sector. Stakeholders warned that without urgent reforms — in preventive care, hospital capacity, health workforce training, and funding mechanisms — life expectancy may decline further.
Civil society groups called on the government to prioritize basic healthcare delivery, expand universal health coverage, and intensify public awareness on lifestyle diseases. They argued that improving life expectancy is not only a health goal but a measure of national development, human dignity, and sustainable prosperity.
