Nigeria's health sector is facing an existential threat as over 15,000 nurses have migrated to the UK since 2017, exacerbating staff shortages and worsening patient outcomes. Latest data from the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council reveals Nigeria now ranks as the third-largest exporter of nurses to Britain, after India and the Philippines.
WHO Africa Director Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu warned: "Africa faces a projected shortfall of 6.1 million health workers by 2030, with nurses constituting 66% of this gap." Nigeria's nurse-to-population ratio remains ten times lower than high-income countries despite workforce growth.
Nurses union leader Toba Odumosu lamented: *"We're losing 12-15 year experienced nurses daily. The 'japa' trend creates irreplaceable skill gaps in critical areas like neonatal care."* Resident Doctors President Dr. Tope Osundara added that delayed surgeries and poor post-operative care are becoming rampant due to nurse shortages.
Healthcare unions demand urgent government action:
Meeting 15% health budget allocation (Abuja Declaration)
Improved salaries and career development programs
Housing loans and better working conditions
With 42% of African nurses planning to emigrate, experts warn Nigeria's human development index will plummet without intervention.
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