New figures cited in reporting indicate Nigeria’s pool of licensed medical doctors has dropped to about 40,000, leaving an estimated shortfall of 260,000 doctors for a population exceeding 200 million.
Drivers: The ongoing “Japa” migration of health workers remains a central factor, with experts warning that the current doctor-to-patient ratio is unsustainable and is worsening outcomes in public facilities.
Impact: Rural communities are described as the hardest hit, with multiple local government areas reportedly lacking resident doctors.
Echotitbits take: Without urgent intervention—competitive pay, safer working conditions, and retention incentives—the system risks severe service breakdowns. Watch for policy moves around bonding, accelerated training pipelines, and emergency recruitment.
Source: The Nation – https://thenationonlineng.net/what-high-profile-losses-reveal-about-nigerias-healthcare-crisis/ (January 25, 2026)
The Nation 2026-01-25
Photo Credit: The Nation