KEY POINTS
- Only about 55,000 doctors remain for over 220 million Nigerians, roughly one per 3,600 to 4,000 people.
- At least 16,000 doctors have emigrated in five years under the Japa wave.
- More than 40 million Nigerians have mental disorders, but 85 percent lack access to care.
Medical doctors have raised the alarm that Nigeria’s healthcare system faces a dangerous manpower crisis, with only about 55,000 doctors left to serve a population of more than 220 million people. They sounded the warning at the Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Resident Doctors at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.
A workforce stretched to breaking point
According to the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Omoti Ernest, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has registered over 130,000 doctors, yet only about 55,000 practice actively at home. Consequently, the country now has roughly one doctor for every 3,600 to 4,000 people, far below the World Health Organization’s threshold of one per 600.
Moreover, Ernest said at least 16,000 doctors have emigrated in the past five years, which has worsened staff shortages, lengthened waiting times and driven burnout among those who remain. He blamed the exodus on poor pay, weak working conditions, insecurity and limited career advancement, while better pay and facilities abroad continue to pull professionals to the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. Therefore, he urged the government to prioritize salaries and welfare, invest in equipment and expand specialist training to minimize doctor shortage.
A deepening mental health emergency due to doctor shortage
The crisis hits mental healthcare especially hard. A consultant psychiatrist at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Dr. Yesir Kareem, said more than 40 million Nigerians live with mental disorders, yet about 85 percent of them cannot access care. Furthermore, he noted that 94,000 doctors and nurses have left since the Japa wave began.
According to the President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Dr. Veronica Nyamali, the country now has fewer than 150 psychiatrists, which forces consultants to cover gaps left by departing colleagues. “Work that should be done by four psychiatrists is now being handled by one or two people,” she said. In addition, she warned that the shortage makes care costlier and pushes many patients toward traditional and faith-based healers.
Ultimately, the doctors urged federal and state governments to improve remuneration, expand training and integrate mental health into primary care. They also backed wider use of telepsychiatry and stronger public awareness. By pairing better pay with investment and diaspora engagement, the associations argued, Nigeria can slow the brain drain and widen access to the care that millions still cannot reach.