Exodus of health workers, danger signal to nation’s healthcare system — Expert

The Managing Director of Ago Medical Centre, Okota, Lagos, Dr. Kola Afolabi, has decried the worsening exodus of Nigerian health workers, warning that if the trend continues unchecked, it could cripple the country’s healthcare system within the next 15 years.

Dr. Afolabi expressed this concern while speaking with newsmen at the reopening of the hospital over the weekend. The event, attended by several dignitaries, was chaired by the Secretary of the pan-democracy group, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Mr. Ayo Opadokun. Afolabi lamented that hospitals across the country are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit doctors and nurses, stressing the urgent need for government intervention.

Ago Medical Centre, which was first established several years ago, was rebuilt following a fire that destroyed the previous facility on February 28, 2025.

“Most of us here find it very difficult to get personnel to run our hospital facilities. Doctors are scarce, and nurses are also scarce. With the way the younger ones are going abroad, I don’t know who will treat those of us remaining in another 10 or 15 years if the government fails to prioritise health services,” he said.

He urged the government to stem the “japa” wave among health workers by improving conditions of service, providing modern facilities, and offering competitive salaries.

His comments come just weeks after the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Bala Audu, revealed that only about 30,000 doctors are currently practising in the country, despite Nigeria’s estimated population of 240 million.

The NMA president also noted that at least 15,000 doctors have left Nigeria in the past five years, pushing the doctor-to-patient ratio to 1:8,000.

Dr. Afolabi commended members of the community and well-wishers who supported the hospital after the fire incident, stating that the newly rebuilt centre is better equipped to handle a wide range of medical services.

According to him, these services include surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, preventive care, physiotherapy, infertility treatment, and laboratory diagnostics.

Chairman of the event, Mr. Opadokun, praised Dr. Afolabi, describing him as a committed activist and humanitarian who often provides free medical care to colleagues in need. He expressed optimism that Nigeria would be better off with more individuals like Dr. Afolabi.

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“He is a devoted compatriot. Kola responds to activism demands promptly and pays for the treatment of comrades free of charge. How I wish we could replicate the likes of Kola Afolabi — Nigeria would be better off than it is today,” he said.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Baale of Okota, Chief Jimoh Aregbesola; Dr. Afolabi’s wife, Dr. Abiola Afolabi; the General Manager of the medical centre, Mr. Moses Peter; External Auditor, Mr. Bode Fapohunda; Alhaji Lateef Ogunlowo; Bishop Richard Ige; Barrister Ovien Michael; Prince Jide Alade; and Prince Olanrewaju Afolabi, among others.