‎Over 16,000 Doctors Leave Nigeria in Five Years, Leaving Only 55,000 Practicing Nationwide

Nigeria’s healthcare system is facing a deepening workforce crisis, with only about 55,000 doctors currently practicing across the country despite a population exceeding 220 million, medical experts have warned.
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‎This concern was raised at a healthcare conference in Lagos, where stakeholders highlighted the growing impact of the mass migration of healthcare professionals, commonly referred to as the “Japa” phenomenon.
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‎Speaking at the event, President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Omoti Ernest, disclosed that although more than 130,000 doctors have been registered by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), only about 55,000 remain actively practicing within the country.
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‎According to him, the situation has left Nigeria with an estimated doctor-to-patient ratio of one doctor for every 3,600 to 4,000 people, significantly below the World Health Organization’s recommended benchmark of one doctor to 600 people.
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‎Medical experts revealed that more than 16,000 Nigerian doctors have relocated abroad over the past five years in search of better remuneration, improved working conditions, and greater career opportunities.
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‎They warned that the persistent brain drain is placing enormous pressure on the nation’s healthcare system, leading to severe staffing shortages, heavier workloads for remaining medical personnel, longer waiting times for patients, and declining quality of healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
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‎Mental health specialists also expressed concern over the shortage of psychiatric professionals, noting that fewer than 150 psychiatrists are currently available to cater to millions of Nigerians. They warned that the shortage is worsening access to mental healthcare, leaving a significant number of people with mental health conditions without adequate treatment and support.
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‎The experts attributed the exodus of healthcare workers to poor salaries, inadequate welfare packages, deteriorating working conditions, insecurity, limited opportunities for professional advancement, and insufficient government investment in healthcare infrastructure.
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‎They called on federal and state governments to urgently address the challenges by improving healthcare funding, upgrading medical facilities, enhancing welfare packages, and creating incentives aimed at retaining skilled healthcare professionals within the country.
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