A recent health report has revealed that Nigeria’s life expectancy stand at below 54.6 years significantly lower than the global average of 73.3 years.

The 2024 State of the Nation Health Report, published by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, shows that women in Nigeria live an average of 54.9 years, while men live 54.3 years, 25% below the global figure of 73.3 years.

It attributes the low life expectancy to disease such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, as well as limited access to quality and affordable healthcare, and revealing the health and social economic challenges faced by Nigerians.

Despite the economic growth, the report notes that poverty and unemployment continue to impact public health, urging stronger investment in healthcare and social services.

The report revealed that globally, life expectancy is, 73.3% years for both genders with women projected to live up to 76 years and men 70.7 years.

The State of the Nation Report highlighted that the slight difference in the life expectancy between men and women aligns with global trends, where women generally live longer than men.