According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the life expectancy rate for both males and females in Nigeria has seen a gradual and continuous increase between 2015 and 2022, as revealed in the 7th Edition of the NBS Demographic Statistics Bulletin 2022. The statistical bulletin covers various key demographic indicators such as population, fertility, mortality, health records, and NIN registration.
Males’ life expectancy at birth increased from 53.2 years in 2015 to 55.1 years in 2022, while females’ life expectancy rose from 55.3 years in 2015 to 57.2 years in 2022. The report also highlighted that women in Nigeria have a higher life expectancy at birth compared to men, with a difference of 2.1 years in both 2021 and 2022.
The NBS emphasized the need for the government to invest in cost-effective health-promoting policies and interventions, particularly focused on improving healthcare for women and children, enhancing child nutrition, and addressing family planning needs. The report also presented data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 6, 2021), revealing statistics on contraceptive compliance and usage across different states in Nigeria.
Additionally, the bulletin detailed the projected population figure for Nigeria in 2022, as well as insights into remittance inflows and outflows, human trafficking statistics, and the increase in National Identification Numbers registrations.
The NBS stressed the importance of these findings for policymakers in shaping and implementing healthcare and social welfare policies in Nigeria. The increase in life expectancy rates was seen as an indication of overall improvements in the well-being of women, children, and the healthcare system in the country.
