Impact of Per Capita Income on Life Expectancy in Nigeria

In the quest for a healthier and more prosperous future, Nigeria aims to translate its economic gains into improved health outcomes. This study delves into the complex dynamics between per capita income and life expectancy, seeking to uncover the secrets to a longer and healthier life. Accordingly, this study examines the impact of per capita income on life expectancy in Nigeria applying annual data from 1990 to 2023. To analyze the data, Autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) model was employed. The result revealed that in the long run, per capita income, public health expenditure, corruption perception index, and the National Health Insurance Act, have a positive impact on life expectancy, while carbon emission has a negative impact on life expectancy. All the variables were statistically significant in explaining life expectancy. In the short run, only the corruption perception index and the dummy variable lagged by twoyears and had a different direction of impact from the long-run result. In addition, only per capita income, public health expenditure, the National Health Insurance Act and the two-year lag of the National Health Insurance Act were not statistically significant. Following the results, the study recommends an increase in per capita income through the introduction of social protection programs like unemployment benefits, regular adjustment of minimum wages and encouraging entrepreneurship to create new income opportunities.