Despite gradual improvements, Nigeria’s life expectancy remains significantly below the global average, standing at just 54.6 years, according to the 2024 State of the Nation Report.
The report, released in Abuja on Tuesday, revealed that Nigerian women have a slightly higher life expectancy of 54.9 years, compared to 54.3 years for men. However, this figure is far behind the global average of 73.3 years, where women are expected to live up to 76 years and men 70.7 years.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), life expectancy reflects the number of years a newborn can expect to live under prevailing health conditions in a given country. The report attributed Nigeria’s low figures to ongoing health challenges, including high disease burdens and limited access to quality healthcare.
Health Challenges Weighing Down Nigeria’s Life Expectancy
The report highlighted communicable diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis as major contributors to poor health outcomes. It also pointed to disparities in healthcare access, particularly between rural and urban areas.
Findings from the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) indicate that Nigeria’s fertility rate remains high at 4.8 children per woman, with rural areas recording a higher average (5.6) compared to urban areas (3.9). This gap is linked to differences in education, healthcare availability, and economic opportunities.
Urban Growth, Economic Gains, and Deepening Inequality
The report also shed light on Nigeria’s rapid urbanization, with 54% of the population now living in cities. While this shift offers better economic opportunities, it has also led to infrastructural strain, pollution, and the expansion of informal settlements, particularly in fast-growing urban centers like Abuja.
Nigeria’s economy has seen growth, with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reaching ₦60.9 trillion in 2024, a 3.19% increase from 2.98% in 2023. However, economic gains remain unevenly distributed, as 63% of Nigerians still live in multidimensional poverty, struggling with inadequate healthcare, education, and living conditions.
Young people, especially women, face high unemployment rates, with joblessness among those aged 15 to 24 at 8.4%. The report warned that these socioeconomic challenges directly impact health outcomes, as poverty and unemployment limit access to proper medical care.
A Call for Policy Action
The 2024 State of the Nation Report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and healthcare stakeholders, urging more investment in public health infrastructure, disease prevention, and economic empowerment. Without urgent intervention, Nigeria’s life expectancy could continue to trail behind global averages, impacting long-term national development.
