NARD Raises Alarm As 19,000 Doctors Leave Nigeria In 20 Years, Urges Action To Curb Brain Drain.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has disclosed that nearly 19,000 doctors have emigrated from Nigeria over the past two decades in search of better opportunities abroad, exacerbating the country’s healthcare crisis. The revelation, announced on 20 May 2025, highlights the severe brain drain impacting Nigeria’s medical sector, with 3,974 doctors leaving in 2024 alone, a record high.
NARD’s data, shared via recent posts on X and reported by outlets such as The Guardian and TheCable, paints a grim picture of Nigeria’s healthcare system, with hospitals facing long delays, persistent queues, and a critical shortage of specialists. The association noted that between 2005 and 2014, 13,629 doctors left due to economic hardships, a trend that intensified in 2015 as more embraced the “Japa” movement—a colloquial term for seeking greener pastures abroad. Many of these professionals, particularly those joining the UK’s National Health Service, cited poor remuneration, inadequate working conditions, and lack of modern medical equipment as key reasons for leaving.
Dr. Emeka Orji, NARD’s president, warned that the exodus is pushing Nigeria’s healthcare system towards collapse, with a current doctor-to-patient ratio of 2.9 per 10,000 people—far below the World Health Organization’s recommended 17 per 10,000. “The few doctors left are overworked, leading to exhaustion, misdiagnoses, and declining care quality,” Orji stated, highlighting the impact on maternal and child healthcare, where Nigeria already grapples with one of the world’s highest mortality rates.
The crisis is particularly acute in northern states, where only 28% of the nation’s medical workforce is based, compared to 62% in southern states. Rural areas often lack even a single qualified doctor, forcing reliance on untrained personnel or traditional healers. Public hospitals report increased medical errors and quackery, further eroding trust in the system. Meanwhile, Nigeria spent over $2.3 billion on medical tourism in the first half of 2024, as wealthy citizens sought treatment abroad.
Public sentiment on X reflects growing concern, with users like @VictorEjechi noting, “Behind every number is a name, a face, a family. When will staying become the better option?” Others, such as @MedicalworldNig, urged the government to improve pay and conditions to stem the tide.
NARD has called for urgent government intervention, including a 15% annual budgetary allocation for healthcare, in line with the 2001 Abuja Declaration, and the digitalisation of services to enhance efficiency. The association also advocated for better welfare packages, such as car schemes and improved hospital infrastructure, to make staying in Nigeria more appealing.
The House of Representatives has responded by committing to investigate the brain drain, with lawmakers emphasising the need for policies to retain talent. As Nigeria grapples with this loss of medical expertise, the government faces mounting pressure to act swiftly to restore confidence in the healthcare system and ensure quality care for its over 200 million citizens.
