The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has revealed that more than 50,000 Nigerian-trained doctors are currently practicing medicine outside the country, heightening concerns over the persistent migration of medical professionals.
The disclosure was made by the NMA National President, Professor Bala Mohammed Audu, during a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Army’s Kalapanzi Barracks in Kaduna.
He noted that the number of doctors working abroad now exceeds those practising within Nigeria, describing the trend as a serious challenge to the nation’s healthcare system.
Professor Audu explained that while the development reflects the high standard of medical training in Nigeria, it also underscores the country’s struggle to retain skilled professionals.
He attributed the continued exodus to better remuneration, improved working conditions, and clearer career advancement opportunities in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and the Gulf states.
According to NMA officials, many Nigerian doctors are compelled to seek employment abroad due to low wages, inadequate facilities, and limited professional growth at home.
The migration has significantly reduced the number of medical practitioners available in Nigeria’s public health sector, leaving only a fraction of locally trained doctors actively practicing in the country.
Nigeria’s doctor-to-patient ratio remains far below the benchmark recommended by the World Health Organization, making the large-scale departure of doctors even more troubling for a country with a rapidly growing population.
Recent data further illustrate the scale of the migration.
Thousands of Nigerian-trained physicians have been registered to practice in the United Kingdom alone, underscoring the strong global demand for Nigeria’s medical talent.
Healthcare institutions across the country have reported persistent staff shortages, particularly in specialized fields.
Experts warn that the deficit could lead to longer waiting times, heavier workloads for remaining staff, and declining quality of care for patients.
Stakeholders have therefore called for urgent reforms, including improved salaries, better working environments, and policies that promote career development for medical practitioners.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is said to be developing strategies aimed at managing healthcare worker migration and strengthening retention.
However, analysts argue that more decisive and coordinated action involving government agencies, professional associations, and private sector partners will be required to reverse the trend.
The NMA’s latest disclosure has intensified discussions around Nigeria’s healthcare workforce crisis and renewed calls for comprehensive measures to stabilize the medical profession within the country.
(Olori Supergal)
