Only 55,000 Doctors Left in Nigeria as NMA Raises Alarm Over Mass Exodus

Nigeria’s healthcare system is facing increasing pressure as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has disclosed that only about 55,000 doctors are currently practicing in the country despite a population of more than 220 million people. 

The revelation was made during the Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) held at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos. 

Medical experts at the event expressed concern over the growing shortage of healthcare professionals, warning that hospitals across the country are struggling to meet the medical needs of millions of Nigerians. 

According to the association, at least 16,000 Nigerian doctors have left the country within the last five years in search of better opportunities abroad. 

The trend, commonly referred to as the “brain drain,” has continued to weaken the healthcare sector and increase pressure on the professionals who remain. Speaking at the conference, NMA President Prof. Omoti Ernest stated that while more than 130,000 doctors have been registered by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), only around 55,000 are actively practicing within the country. 

He noted that the current doctor-to-population ratio falls significantly below the recommendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO), highlighting the severity of the healthcare workforce shortage. 

According to Prof. Ernest, the continued departure of skilled medical professionals has led to staff shortages, increased workloads, burnout among healthcare workers, longer waiting times for patients, and declining quality of care in many public hospitals. 

He added that rural and underserved communities have been hit hardest by the shortage, as access to healthcare services was already limited in many of those areas. 

The NMA identified several factors driving the migration of Nigerian doctors, including poor remuneration, inadequate working conditions, insecurity, limited opportunities for career advancement, and insufficient investment in healthcare infrastructure. 

Many healthcare professionals, according to the association, are attracted to countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, where salaries, working environments, and professional development opportunities are often more favorable. 

The association warned that unless urgent steps are taken to improve conditions for healthcare workers, Nigeria could face even greater challenges in delivering quality healthcare services to its growing population.