A senior official of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Benjamin Olowojebutu, has raised concerns over the growing exodus of Nigerian doctors, attributing the trend to poor remuneration and working conditions in the country.
Olowojebutu made the remarks while speaking on Arise Newsnight on Tuesday, where he addressed the ongoing shortage of medical practitioners in Nigeria and the looming threat of industrial action by doctors.
According to him, many of the best-performing doctors in the United Kingdom are Nigerians who left the country in search of better opportunities and improved welfare.
“The best doctors in the UK are Nigerians; they leave because they are not properly compensated here,” he said.
He lamented that doctors in Nigeria are undervalued despite their critical contributions to the nation’s healthcare system and economy.
“Doctors in Nigeria don’t get paid properly; they are not given the value they bring to the economy and the state,” he added.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Olowojebutu disclosed that the doctor-to-patient ratio in Nigeria is alarmingly low, with about three doctors attending to 12,000 patients. He warned that the pressure on available medical personnel has led to burnout, with some practitioners reportedly losing their lives while on duty.
The comments come amid rising tensions in the health sector, as medical professionals continue to demand improved salaries, better working conditions, and policies to curb the migration of skilled workers abroad.
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