A recent United Nations report has placed Nigeria at the bottom of global life expectancy rankings, with an average lifespan of just 52.68 years, the lowest among 183 countries surveyed. The data, drawn from the UN’s Human Development Index and reported on October 3, 2025, paints a stark picture of the country’s health challenges.
The report highlights Nigeria’s struggle with widespread poverty, inadequate healthcare, and ongoing security issues as key factors driving the low life expectancy. Despite its vast oil wealth and large population, the nation lags far behind others, with men averaging 52.3 years and women 53.1 years. This places Nigeria below other African nations like Chad (53.68 years) and the Central African Republic (54.83 years).
Globally, Hong Kong leads with an average life expectancy of 85.83 years, followed by Japan (84.95) and Switzerland (84.38). The report underscores the gap between Nigeria and top-ranking nations, where access to quality healthcare, nutrition, and stable living conditions significantly extend lifespans.
Social media reactions have been mixed, with many Nigerians expressing dismay but not surprise. One X user wrote, “52 years? That’s heartbreaking but tracks with the state of our hospitals and insecurity.” Another called for urgent reforms, saying, “Our leaders need to prioritize healthcare and security—lives are at stake.”
The UN data serves as a grim reminder of Nigeria’s systemic challenges, fueling calls for government action to address healthcare access, poverty, and violence to improve life expectancy and quality of life for its citizens.
