The newly elected President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Afekhide Ernest Omoti, has raised serious concerns over the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system, warning that deteriorating working conditions are driving doctors out of the country.
Omoti, a Professor of Ophthalmology and Honorary Consultant at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), spoke shortly after his inauguration, describing the situation as critical.
Highlighting the harsh realities faced by medical professionals, he said many doctors are forced to work and live in degrading environments.
“In some hospitals, doctors are kept in spaces not suitable even for domestic animals, yet they are expected to deliver quality care,” he said during a press briefing following the association’s AGM.
He noted that such conditions, combined with poor pay, have contributed significantly to the growing wave of migration among healthcare workers.
“Nigeria is experiencing a severe shortage of doctors. The few available are overwhelmed, often handling workloads meant for several individuals,” he stated.
Speaking on the rising trend of professionals leaving the country, Omoti pointed to inadequate remuneration and unfriendly work conditions as key drivers.
“Our doctors are among the least remunerated globally. No professional should be underpaid, overworked, and made to function in unsafe and poorly equipped environments,” he said.
The NMA president also expressed concern over insufficient government investment in the health sector, noting that Nigeria has yet to meet the funding benchmark agreed under the Abuja Declaration.
“Current budgetary allocation to health hovers between four and six percent. Moving closer to the 15 percent target will significantly improve infrastructure and service delivery,” he explained.
Omoti further disclosed that many doctors endure extended working hours without adequate rest or welfare support, a situation he described as unsustainable.
“If urgent steps are not taken, the association may be left with no choice but to take action. While we will prioritise dialogue, all necessary measures remain on the table,” he warned.