By Juliet Ezeh
Nigeria is facing a deepening healthcare crisis as the mass migration of medical professionals continues to drain billions of naira in public investment, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, has warned.
Speaking at the 2026 United Kingdom Global Health Summit in London, Salako said the ongoing exodus of Nigerian doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers popularly known as “japa” is severely weakening the country’s already fragile health system.
According to the minister, Nigeria currently has only four doctors per 10,000 people, far below the minimum benchmark recommended by the World Health Organization, which advises at least 10 physicians per 10,000 population.
He described the situation as a national emergency with global implications.
“The global health workforce crisis is not a future threat but a present emergency,” Salako said.
Billions Lost to Migration
Salako revealed that every doctor trained in Nigeria represents a significant financial investment, often exceeding $200,000.
However, as thousands of trained professionals relocate abroad, the country is effectively transferring scarce resources to wealthier nations.
“This is a massive loss of public investment for a country already struggling with limited healthcare funding,” he noted.
Data from the United Kingdom shows that 13,609 Nigerian health workers migrated to the UK between 2021 and 2022, making Nigeria one of the top sources of foreign-trained medical personnel.
More Doctors Planning to Leave
The crisis is expected to worsen, as a 2023 survey by NOI Polls and Nigeria Health Watch found that 57 per cent of Nigerian doctors are actively making plans to leave the country.
Experts warn that this trend could further cripple public hospitals, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare is already limited.
Nigeria, with a population exceeding 220 million people, continues to grapple with inadequate healthcare infrastructure, poor funding, and heavy reliance on out-of-pocket payments.
Government Response and Reforms
In response, the Federal Government has introduced reforms under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, aimed at improving coordination and funding in the health sector.
Salako said medical training capacity has been expanded significantly, with a 160 per cent increase in medical school admissions between 2023 and 2025.
Authorities are also adopting task-shifting policies and strengthening community health worker programmes to bridge manpower gaps.
Diaspora Doctors to Support Nigeria
The government is also turning to Nigerian health professionals abroad for support.
Salako disclosed that seven diaspora medical associations across the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Australia, and South Africa will embark on a coordinated medical mission to Nigeria between April and July 2026.
The initiative will focus on skills transfer, training, and strengthening local health institutions.
Nigeria’s healthcare diaspora is estimated at over 150,000 professionals globally, many occupying senior roles in foreign hospitals and research institutions.
Call for Global Action
The minister called for stronger international cooperation, urging developed countries to adopt ethical recruitment practices and support nations that train health workers.
He emphasized that strengthening healthcare systems in developing countries is not just a moral obligation but a global necessity.
“No nation can solve the global health workforce crisis alone. Strengthening health systems in developing countries is not charity—it is global security,” Salako said.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.