Only 55,000 Doctors Left To Serve Over 220 Million Nigerians — Experts Raise Alarm

Medical experts have warned that Nigeria is facing a severe healthcare workforce crisis, with only about 55,000 doctors actively practicing in a country of more than 220 million people.

Speaking at a conference in Lagos, doctors said the shortage has been worsened by the mass migration of healthcare workers, revealing that over 16,000 Nigerian doctors have left the country in the last five years in search of better opportunities abroad.

According to the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Omoti Ernest, although more than 130,000 doctors have been registered by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, only about 55,000 remain in active practice within the country. 

He noted that this leaves Nigeria with roughly one doctor for every 3,600–4,000 people, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of one doctor to 600 people.

The doctors said the growing brain drain has led to severe staff shortages, increased workload for remaining healthcare workers, longer waiting times for patients, and declining quality of care, particularly in underserved communities.

Mental health specialists also warned that the shortage is worsening access to psychiatric care, disclosing that fewer than 150 psychiatrists are currently serving millions of Nigerians, while a large percentage of people living with mental health conditions remain without treatment.

Experts attributed the exodus of doctors to poor salaries, inadequate working conditions, insecurity, limited career growth opportunities, and insufficient investment in healthcare infrastructure. 

They urged the government to improve welfare packages, upgrade medical facilities, and create better incentives to retain healthcare professionals in the country.