The United Kingdom has seen a significant influx of Nigerian healthcare professionals, with at least 14,815 nurses and midwives trained in Nigeria migrating to the UK over the past five years, according to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). This surge highlights a growing “healthcare exodus” that is placing substantial strain on Nigeria’s own healthcare system.
Between April and September 2024 alone, the NMC register saw an addition of 1,159 Nigerian-trained health professionals, marking an 8.5 percent increase in just six months. While registration does not guarantee employment, the consistent upward trend since 2017 underscores the persistent migration of Nigerian healthcare workers.
The NMC reports that as of September 30, 2024, over 200,000 foreign-trained health professionals are registered to practice in the UK, with Nigeria ranking third behind India and the Philippines. Despite a 16.1 percent year-on-year decline in new Nigerian registrations, the country remains a major source of UK healthcare personnel.
This continued outflow has triggered alarm within Nigerian health authorities. Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health, speaking at the Association of Medical Councils of Africa (AMCOA) conference in Abuja, expressed deep concern over the “brain drain.” “Nigeria trains some of the world’s best doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, but many leave in pursuit of better opportunities abroad,” he stated. He further emphasized the need for collaborative agreements with countries like the UK, ensuring they contribute to the training and infrastructure development of the nations they recruit from.
Salako also stressed the urgency of improving incentives and working conditions to retain local healthcare workers. “We need to boost the output of our medical schools while creating working conditions that inspire our health workers to stay and serve their communities,” he asserted.
Healthcare professionals on the ground echo these concerns. Serat Ojei, Deputy Director, Nursing Services at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), highlighted the severe impact of this emigration. “The number of nurses currently working at LUTH has dropped from over 700 to just 340, leading to burnout among remaining staff,” Ojei explained during a media parley by the Festus Fajemiko Foundation (FFF) in Lagos. She attributes this decline to poor remuneration, inadequate facilities, and unfavorable working conditions. “The government is not handling this issue properly. If good welfare packages, better salaries, and conducive working conditions are provided, the exodus will reduce,” she argued.
The situation at LUTH exemplifies a broader national crisis, fueling medical tourism and exacerbating staff shortages. The call for improved healthcare infrastructure and better compensation is becoming increasingly urgent, as Nigeria grapples with the loss of its vital healthcare workforce. This exodus not only strains the nation’s health services but also impacts the broader economy. The need for a systemic overhaul, including strategic agreements with recruiting nations, has never been more critical.
