Nigeria's healthcare system is under growing strain as doctors and nurses leave the country in increasing numbers, a trend known as "Japa syndrome." Medical professionals cite low salaries, poor working conditions, insecurity, and limited career advancement as key reasons for relocating. Dr Mercy Agu, a physician at General Hospital Suleja, said hospitals are overwhelmed as experienced staff depart almost every month, forcing remaining workers to manage heavier patient loads. She noted that long duty hours and declining morale are undermining service delivery.
Dr Grace Okafor, another practicing doctor, said understaffing has led to widespread exhaustion and burnout across medical departments. "We are exhausted. In some departments, there are only a handful of doctors handling duties meant for many people," Okafor said. Dr Munir Abdulazeez, now practising in the United Kingdom, said he found it difficult to leave Nigeria but was pushed by discouraging conditions, including low pay and lack of modern medical equipment. He cited better career prospects and improved working environments abroad as decisive factors.
Mrs Rauda Bello, a nurse who recently moved to Canada, said healthcare workers seek dignity and stability unavailable in Nigeria. "In Nigeria, healthcare workers often work under stressful conditions without adequate support. Abroad, there is respect for the profession and better welfare packages," Bello said. Experts warn the exodus threatens to deepen healthcare challenges, especially in rural areas where access to qualified personnel is already limited. Public health analysts are calling for improved welfare, better training institutions, and reforms to retain medical staff.
Dr Munir Abdulazeez says he loved serving in Nigeria but left due to discouraging conditions, yet the government continues to underfund healthcare infrastructure. While officials acknowledge the crisis, no new salary structure or equipment upgrade has been implemented to reverse the trend. This inaction means doctors like Dr Agu and Dr Okafor must keep managing collapsing systems alone. Nigerians in rural areas, already facing severe shortages, will bear the full cost of this drift.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
