Nigeria · Africa
How many people die in Nigeria every day?
In Nigeria, about 5,753 people die every day, roughly one death every 15 seconds. That is about 2,100,000 deaths a year, 3.4% of everyone who dies worldwide and the 4th highest total of 194 countries. Life expectancy is 52.7 years and the leading cause of death is malaria. See every death on earth as it happens on the live death counter.
Deaths per day
5,753
Deaths per year
2,100,000
Life expectancy
52.7 years
Population
223,804,632
Death rate
9.4 per 1,000
Top cause of death
Malaria
Compared to the World Average
Life expectancy
Nigeria
52.7
World avg
72.8
-20.1 yrs
Death rate (per 1,000)
Nigeria
9.4
World avg
7.7
Deaths in Nigeria by time period
| Per hour | 240 |
| Per day | 5,753 |
| Per week | 40,274 |
| Per month | 175,000 |
| Per year | 2,100,000 |
What people die of in Nigeria
According to the World Health Organization’s Global Health Estimates, the single biggest cause of death in Nigeria in 2023 was pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections, which accounted for 11.4% of all deaths, about 566 a day. It was followed by malaria and diarrhoeal diseases.
Deaths from heart disease (ischaemic) have more than doubled since 2000, from about 46,677 to 97,596 a year. Deaths from diarrhoeal diseases have fallen by 37% since 2000, from about 203,524 to 127,679 a year.
| # | Cause | Deaths (2023) | Per day | Share | Since 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections | 206,576 | 566 | 11.4% | +32% |
| 2 | Malaria | 185,829 | 509 | 10.3% | -12% |
| 3 | Diarrhoeal diseases | 127,679 | 350 | 7.1% | -37% |
| 4 | Heart disease (ischaemic) | 97,596 | 267 | 5.4% | +109% |
| 5 | Meningitis | 96,074 | 263 | 5.3% | +62% |
| 6 | Stroke | 91,277 | 250 | 5.1% | +45% |
| 7 | Birth asphyxia and birth trauma | 79,594 | 218 | 4.4% | +8% |
| 8 | Tuberculosis | 64,385 | 176 | 3.6% | -22% |
| 9 | Neonatal sepsis and infections | 55,599 | 152 | 3.1% | -12% |
| 10 | Preterm birth complications | 51,906 | 142 | 2.9% | +29% |
Deaths in Nigeria since 2000
WHO estimates that about 1,806,468 people died in Nigeria in 2023, 9% more than in 2000. Totals rise as populations grow and age, even when health improves. WHO’s modelled estimates can differ from the headline figures above, which come from a different source.
| 2000 | 1,664,238 deaths |
| 2010 | 1,633,110 deaths |
| 2019 | 1,725,635 deaths |
| 2023 | 1,806,468 deaths |
Life expectancy in Nigeria since 1950
A baby born in Nigeria in 1950 could expect to live about 35.5 years. By 2023 that had risen to 54.5, a gain of 19.0 years. See how this compares worldwide on our life expectancy by country page.
| 1950 | 35.5 years |
| 1980 | 46 years |
| 2000 | 47.1 years |
| 2010 | 51.3 years |
| 2019 | 53 years |
| 2023 | 54.5 years |
Nigeria compared with similar countries in Africa
Among the 50 countries in Africa on this site, Nigeria ranks 48th for life expectancy. Here is how it compares with the countries closest to it in population.
| Country | Deaths per day | Life expectancy | Top cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 5,753 | 52.7 | Malaria |
| Ethiopia | 2,055 | 65 | Lower respiratory infections |
| Egypt | 1,589 | 70.2 | Cardiovascular disease |
| DR Congo | 2,329 | 60.7 | Lower respiratory infections |
| Tanzania | 1,123 | 66.2 | HIV/AIDS |
| South Africa | 1,397 | 62.3 | HIV/AIDS |
Sources: WHO Global Health Estimates 2023 (deaths by cause and totals); UN World Population Prospects via Our World in Data (life expectancy). Figures are modelled estimates and are rounded.
Frequently asked questions
How many people die in Nigeria every day?
In Nigeria, about 5,753 people die every day, or roughly one death every 15 seconds. That adds up to about 2,100,000 deaths a year, 3.4% of all deaths worldwide.
What is the leading cause of death in Nigeria?
Malaria is the leading cause of death in Nigeria. It is one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, and most deaths from it could be avoided with prevention and treatment. Counting single causes, WHO's estimates put pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections first in 2023, with 11.4% of deaths.
What is the life expectancy in Nigeria?
Life expectancy at birth in Nigeria is 52.7 years, 20.1 years below the world average of 72.8. That ranks 192nd of 194 countries.
Is the death rate in Nigeria high?
Nigeria records about 9.4 deaths per 1,000 people each year, above the world average of 7.7. Crude death rates are higher in countries with older populations, so a high rate does not always mean poor health care.