Poor Remuneration Driving Health Workers Out of Nigeria 

The Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of Nigeria’s teaching hospitals have raised alarm over the increasing number of health workers leaving the country. The mass exodus of doctors, nurses, and other skilled health professionals is largely due to poor remuneration, despite significant government investments in healthcare infrastructure. 

Alarming Exodus of Health Workers 

At the 2025 budget defense session before the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions, the CMDs shared their concerns. Professor Wasiu Adeyemo of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) warned that the situation is dire, with hospitals at risk of becoming empty in the next few years due to continuous resignations and retirements. 

He revealed that many healthcare workers, especially consultants, are earning less than $1,000, which is a major driver of their decision to leave for better-paying opportunities abroad. He stressed the need for immediate intervention in the remuneration of health workers to prevent further loss of skilled professionals. 

Budget Performance and Challenges 

The CMDs also presented their hospitals’ budget performances. LUTH’s total budget for 2024 was ₦19.2 billion, with ₦13.57 billion allocated to personnel. However, the capital projects received only 45% of their budget allocation, leaving much to be desired. Despite this, the personnel performance was reported at 95% due to timely payments and efforts to retain staff. 

Similarly, Professor Jesse Abiodun of the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan lamented the delayed release of funds, which affected hospital operations. UCH’s capital appropriation for 2024 was ₦5.59 billion, but only 38% of the funds were released. For 2025, UCH proposed a reduced budget for capital projects due to the ongoing financial constraints. 

Call for Urgent Action 

Chairman of the House Committee on Health Institutions, Hon. Patrick Umoh, called for more detailed and transparent budget presentations from the CMDs. He acknowledged the struggles of tertiary health institutions and emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system. 

The major reason why people leave is for economic reasons. Consultants earn less than $1,000. If this issue is not addressed, government’s investment in healthcare infrastructure will be in vain as hospitals will be empty.” – Professor Wasiu Adeyemo, Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) 

The ongoing exodus of healthcare workers poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s healthcare system, which is already strained due to inadequate funding and poor infrastructure. To retain skilled professionals and ensure the country’s hospitals remain functional, the government must prioritize better remuneration, timely release of funds, and investment in healthcare infrastructure. Urgent action is needed to safeguard the future of Nigeria’s health institutions.