Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has pinpointed systemic leadership failures as the root cause of Nigeria's alarmingly low life expectancy. He delivered this stark assessment at the 2025 Leadership Forum Conference held at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.
A Consequence of Failed Systems
Obi stated that Nigeria's average life expectancy, which recent global estimates place at about 55 years, is a direct reflection of the country's neglect of its healthcare, education, and human capital development sectors. He argued that this poor performance makes Nigeria the weakest performer among nations with similar resources.
"Our low life expectancy is not because Nigerians are naturally predisposed to early death. It is because we have not built the systems that keep people alive," Obi declared. He emphasized that this critical data should serve as a wake-up call for urgent reforms.
Comparisons and Broader Insecurity
The former governor highlighted that other countries facing comparable demographic pressures, such as India and Indonesia, have achieved steady improvements by consistently investing in basic social infrastructure. He lamented that Nigeria, despite its potential to outperform many emerging economies, has been held back by policy reversals and weak institutions.
Obi also connected the dire health outcomes to the nation's widespread insecurity. He explained that displacement, food shortages, and limited access to healthcare in rural areas are major contributors to preventable deaths across the country.
Focus on Youth and National Stability
During his engagements, Peter Obi consistently highlighted youth development as a critical national priority. He visited the Redeemer’s Drug Rehabilitation Initiative in Enugu, where he spoke on the devastating impact of substance abuse on communities.
He argued that tackling addiction, unemployment, and poor educational access is fundamental to strengthening long-term national stability. Earlier in the week, at the Enugu Diocesan Synod, he urged faith-based organizations to expand their community support programmes, stating that closing Nigeria's health and education gaps requires a combined effort from both government and civil society.
Furthermore, in a speech in Umuahia on November 20 to the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, he linked Nigeria's declining human development indicators to chronic underfunding and a lack of coherent long-term planning.
Obi also recently commented on the conviction of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu. He condemned the court pronouncements, warning they could worsen tensions in the southeast, and urged the Federal Government to adopt dialogue to avoid further destabilization, asserting that political engagement is more effective than coercion.
He concluded that Nigeria's future hinges on leadership that prioritizes competence and accountability. "We cannot achieve progress when basic indicators of life and wellbeing remain this low," Obi said. "A new Nigeria is possible, but it will only emerge when leaders commit to investing in people."
