3.7. Healthcare

3.7. Healthcare

For detailed information on healthcare system in Nigeria, including access and availability of medical treatment, see EUAA Medical Country of Origin Information (MedCOI) Report: Nigeria, April 2022.

Nigeria’s NBS household survey indicated that by August 2024, the most common medical consultation facilities used by Nigerians are chemist shops (36.6 % of females and 40.7 % of males), which are widespread relied upon, followed by hospitals (22 % of females and 25.7 % of males).1184 The least visited facilities were consultants’ homes, patients’ homes, and traditional and faith-based healers. The NBS survey also pointed out that not seeking medical attention is an increasing tendency in Nigeria (9.9 % of females and 9.7 % of males), particularly in rural areas, with main reasons including that the illness was not serious enough (70.3 % of cases) and the cost associated with a medical visit (21.6 %). The same source indicated that in 63.9 % of visits to a health practitioner, dentist, or traditional healer, patients were not charged, while those who had to pay, paid an average of 2 473 Naira per visit [1.4 Euros].1185 The average out-of-pocket hospitalisation costs per person was 44 189 Naira [24.6 Euros], and the average out-of-pocket cost for medications was 5 083 Naira [2.8 Euros].1186

According to PwC, Nigeria’s per capita expenditure in healthcare in 2024 was 6 361 Naira [3.53 Euros], which represented 0.6 % of the GDP, far below the 6 % recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Also, out-of-pocket payments accounted for over 70 % of total healthcare spending, particularly affecting low-income households. The same source pointed out that due to poor healthcare, productivity losses amount to 1 % of GDP annually.1187

According to the UNFPA, Nigeria’s average life expectancy for 2025 was 55 years for women and 54 years for men.1188 Germany’s BMZ indicated that the average life expectancy in 2024 was 53 years, one of the lowest in the world.1189

Cases of HIV1190 and tuberculosis are common in Nigeria.1191 and infant mortality is ‘high’.1192 UNICEF indicated that between January and April 2025, cholera outbreaks led to 1 149 suspected cases and 28 reported deaths in 25 states, with a fatality rate of 2.4 %.1193 Nigeria’s NBS household survey indicated that, by August 2024, the most common illness reported by people in Nigeria is malaria, with 66.8 % of reports, followed by typhoid (18.4 %).1194 The survey also indicated that the prevalence of disability increases significantly after the age of 50, reaching its highest level at 65 years-old.1195