Nigeria’s healthcare system is facing increasing pressure after fresh data showed that no fewer than 4,691 Nigerian doctors moved to the United Kingdom within the last three years.

According to figures from the UK General Medical Council, the migration occurred since President Bola Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023.

The report noted that the total number of Nigeria-trained doctors currently practising in the UK has now risen to about 15,692, making Nigeria one of the largest foreign sources of doctors in Britain, second only to India.

Beyond manpower loss, the trend also represents a financial setback. With the Federal Government previously estimating that it costs around $21,000 to train one doctor, Nigeria is believed to have lost at least $98.5 million in training investments due to the recent migration wave.

Health experts say the exodus comes at a difficult time, as Nigeria’s doctor-to-population ratio remains far below the minimum level recommended by the World Health Organisation.

Professional bodies including the Nigerian Medical Association and the National Association of Resident Doctors have repeatedly blamed poor salaries, unsafe working conditions, burnout, inadequate facilities, and limited career opportunities for the growing relocation trend.

They argue that many doctors are overworked, underpaid, and frustrated by the state of the health sector.

The report also highlighted the irony that while medical professionals continue leaving Nigeria, many Nigerians still spend huge amounts yearly on treatment abroad through medical tourism.

Public health experts have called for urgent reforms, including better pay, improved working conditions, reliable infrastructure, security, pension reforms, and stronger welfare systems to retain healthcare workers.

They warned that without meaningful action, the country risks deeper shortages of skilled medical personnel, especially in rural and underserved communities.