As 2025 came to a close, Nigeria’s federal health sector faced a stark reality: unmet expectations, policy drift, and a weakening healthcare delivery system left millions of citizens without access to affordable, quality care.

Despite some improvements in infrastructure, medical professionals say the year exposed deep structural weaknesses that have long plagued the sector. A broad review of federal government health initiatives revealed what stakeholders describe as a “troubling lack of focus and priority,” particularly within the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Dr. Saheed Babajide, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State, said:

“There was no meaningful development, initiative, or progress in the federal health sector in 2025. We witnessed a system struggling without clear direction, which is highly unfortunate, unacceptable, and disappointing.”

Missed Priorities

Healthcare workers highlighted the continued mass migration of doctors and nurses abroad, known as the Japa syndrome, as a major challenge. Poor pay, weak welfare packages, and limited training opportunities drove professionals to seek better conditions elsewhere. Prolonged strikes and poorly handled industrial disputes further disrupted services, leaving citizens without essential care.

“When health sector associations went on strike, the government response lacked empathy and strategy. Citizens were the ultimate victims,” Babajide noted.

Access and Affordability

Nigeria’s health indices remained low in 2025. Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health insurance schemes continued to exclude large segments of the population. Rising drug and medical equipment costs, unstable power supply, and neglect of primary healthcare crippled service delivery, leaving many Nigerians unable to access care.

The NMA criticized the Ministry of Health for prioritizing data collection, research, and international engagements over addressing pressing domestic health needs. While infrastructure projects, such as hospital buildings, showed modest improvement, doctors stressed that facilities alone cannot save lives without sufficient staff, modern equipment, and financing.

Road to 2026

Looking ahead, the NMA called for a decisive reset of healthcare policy. Key recommendations include:

• Improved remuneration, welfare, and housing for health workers to reduce the Japa syndrome.
• Structured career development, overseas training opportunities, and worker-friendly policies.
• Expanded UHC, reform of health insurance, lower drug costs, and reduced tariffs on medical equipment.
• Strengthened primary healthcare and collaboration between government and private hospitals.
• Reliable power supply to health facilities and establishment of specialist hospitals in all six geopolitical zones.
• Increased health sector budget allocation from 6% to 15% in line with the Abuja Declaration, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Dr. Babajide stressed:

“Health workers want to be heard and respected. Without urgent reforms, Nigeria risks deeper workforce losses and worsening health outcomes. Healthcare must be treated as a national priority. Without a functional health system, sustainable development remains a mirage.”