Reporters have reveal that the Nigerian government has spent just 36% of the Ministry of Health’s capital expenditure budget for the 2024 fiscal year, despite an extension of the budget year to June 2025.

Documents show that ₦543 billion was approved for health sector capital projects in 2024, but only ₦174.9 billion had been disbursed as of June 2025.

The underfunding comes amid growing calls for increased investment in Nigeria’s healthcare system. In September, the U.S. Trade Administration highlighted persistent weaknesses, noting that Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure is underdeveloped and lacks modern facilities.

The country faces severe challenges: a fast-growing population with 5.5 live births per woman, an annual growth rate of 3.2%, and projections to reach 400 million people by 2050, making it the world’s fourth most populous nation. The shortage of medical professionals is critical, with only 23.3 doctors per 100,000 people, far below the WHO standard of 100 per 100,000. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) estimates that at least $2 billion is lost annually to medical tourism, with over half spent in India.

In an October interview, Lagos NMA Chairman Dr. Babajide Saheed said the health sector remains underdeveloped due to insufficient political will and investment. He cited poor funding and the “Japa syndrome” — the migration of healthcare workers abroad — as major issues.

“Budgetary allocation for health remains between 4–6%, far below the 15% target set in the Abuja Declaration of 2001,” Saheed said. He added that government inaction continues to drive doctors and other professionals overseas.

Nigerians continue to face challenges with hospital infrastructure, while resident doctors have threatened strikes over poor welfare conditions, highlighting the urgent need for reform in healthcare financing and delivery.

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