The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has decried Nigeria’s worsening health indices, citing two damning reports that paint a grim picture of the nation’s healthcare system.
In a statement on Monday, Obi lamented that Nigeria now holds two of the most dangerous global health records within a single year, a situation he described as a “double tragedy” and a stark reflection of poor governance.
According to the United Nations World Population Prospects 2025 Report, Nigeria now has the lowest life expectancy globally, averaging just 54.6 years. The report warned bluntly that “if you live in Nigeria, you are simply waiting to die.”
In addition, a separate report highlighted Nigeria as the worst country in the world to give birth, with a maternal death occurring every seven minutes.
Stories of families losing mothers and children during childbirth continue to emerge, underscoring the human cost behind the statistics.
Peter Obi said, “Sadly, our country, Nigeria, today holds two of the most dangerous health records in the world within just one year—a double tragedy, considering that health is one of the most critical measures of development.
“These reports are not just statistics—they reflect the daily experience of Nigerian life. Though Nigeria is not officially at war, our life expectancy is now worse than that of war-torn countries like Ukraine and South Sudan, all because of poor governance and a failing health system.
“These grim realities expose misplaced priorities, bad governance, and the failure to invest in one of the most vital sectors of development: the health and well-being of our citizens.
Calling for urgent reforms, Obi emphasised the need for massive investment in healthcare infrastructure, maternal care, and primary health delivery, describing health and well-being as fundamental pillars for national development.
“We must urgently prioritise healthcare as a cornerstone of building our dear nation,” he stated.
