Nigeria is confronting a severe health workforce crisis as medical professionals continue to emigrate. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, raised the alarm on Monday. Speaking at the 2026 UK Global Health Summit, he emphasized urgent action is needed.
The exodus, known locally as “japa,” worsens staff shortages across the fragile healthcare system. Currently, Nigeria has only four doctors per 10,000 people, far below WHO recommendations. Salako warned that Africa bears 25% of global disease burden with under 3% of health workers.
Between 2021 and 2022, 13,609 Nigerian health professionals migrated to the UK alone. A 2023 survey showed 57% of Nigerian doctors plan to seek opportunities abroad. Each departing doctor represents over $200,000 invested in training lost to wealthier nations. The government increased medical school admissions by 160% from 2023 to 2025.
Task-shifting policies and community health worker training aim to improve service delivery. Diaspora health professionals will support Nigeria through skills transfer and medical missions. Environmental challenges, climate change, and economic instability further strain healthcare delivery.
The Federal Government promotes the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative for reforms. Salako called for ethical recruitment and international cooperation to stabilize health systems. He stressed that strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare is not charity but global security.
Without urgent measures, public hospitals risk further collapse under manpower deficits. Global partnerships and diaspora engagement remain critical to reversing the health workforce crisis.
