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Nigeria’s Life Expectancy Crisis: UN Ranks Nation Lowest
By Sam Agogo
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has been hit with a devastating reality: the United Nations World Population Prospects (2025) ranks the country lowest in global life expectancy, at just 54.9 years. This figure is catastrophically below the global average of 73.7 years and trails behind the African continental average.
Yet Nigeria is a nation of extraordinary promise. It is richly endowed with mineral resources—oil, gas, gold, coal, tin, and fertile agricultural land. It has produced some of Africa’s finest minds, with professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs excelling globally. Its cultural influence is undeniable, with music, literature, and film industries that have captured international acclaim. Nigerians are also consistently ranked among the happiest people in the world, a testament to their resilience and optimism in the face of adversity. But this vibrancy contrasts sharply with the daily struggles of its citizens, who fight for the basics: clean water, reliable electricity, secure communities, and functional healthcare. The paradox is glaring—a country so rich in resources and human potential, yet so poor in outcomes.
Nigeria spends only 4% of its GDP on healthcare, far below the WHO’s recommended 15%. This chronic underinvestment has left hospitals without equipment, doctors without support, and patients without hope. The burden of disease is crushing: malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS continue to ravage communities, while chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes rise unchecked. Maternal and infant mortality rates remain among the highest in the world, condemning countless families to grief. Poverty and malnutrition stalk the land, with over 40% of Nigerians living below the poverty line. Insecurity adds another layer of devastation, as terrorism, banditry, and violent conflict claim lives daily, while unsafe roads and transport systems kill thousands more. Sanitation failures compound the crisis, with millions lacking access to clean water, fueling preventable epidemics like cholera.
Other nations once trapped in similar despair have clawed their way upward. Algeria, which languished at 43 years of life expectancy in the 1960s, now boasts 77 years after decades of relentless investment in healthcare, universal vaccination, and maternal health. Tunisia surged ahead by prioritizing preventive medicine, expanding access to clean water, and strengthening social welfare. Beyond Africa, Vietnam and Costa Rica—countries with limited resources—achieved remarkable gains by building robust community-based healthcare systems, focusing on prevention, and ensuring that even the poorest citizens had access to medical care. These nations prove that progress is possible when leadership is bold and policies are people-centered.
Nigeria’s ranking must be treated as a national emergency. The country must radically increase healthcare funding, modernize hospitals, and retain skilled medical professionals. It must wage war against infectious and chronic diseases with expanded vaccination and treatment programs. It must protect mothers and children with free or subsidized maternal healthcare and skilled birth attendants. Poverty must be confronted head-on through social welfare and food security reforms. Security must be restored by crushing terrorism and banditry, while infrastructure must be rebuilt to ensure safe transport. Sanitation must be revolutionized with clean water access and modern urban planning.
Nigeria’s lowest life expectancy ranking is not destiny—it is a damning verdict on failed leadership and broken systems. But with courage, vision, and decisive action, Nigeria can rise from the bottom of global health tables and secure a future where its citizens live longer, healthier lives. The time for reform is not tomorrow—it is now. Delay will only deepen the tragedy and condemn another generation to premature death.
For comments, reflections, and further conversation:
Email: samuelagogo4one@yahoo.com
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