Yemi Obafemi
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised alarm over Nigeria’s worsening healthcare system, warning that the country now holds two of the world’s most dangerous health records within just one year.
In a statement shared via his X handle, Obi described the state of Nigeria’s health sector as worse than that of some war-torn nations, blaming poor governance and lack of investment for the crisis.
“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,” he said.
Citing the United Nations World Population Prospects 2025 Report, Obi noted that Nigeria now has the lowest life expectancy in the world, with an average of 54.6 years. “The report bluntly states: if you live in Nigeria, you are simply waiting to die,” he added.
He further highlighted another damning statistic, describing Nigeria as the worst country in the world to give birth, with one maternal death recorded every seven minutes.
“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 Ukraine and South Sudan,” Obi said.
He stressed that the grim realities reflect misplaced priorities, failed leadership, and lack of proper investment in the health sector. He urged the government to urgently prioritise healthcare as a foundation for national development.
