The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) has raised concerns over the growing migration of Nigerian healthcare professionals to European countries, warning that the trend could further weaken the country’s already overstretched healthcare system.
The union said the continued movement of doctors, nurses, medical laboratory scientists, pharmacists and other skilled health professionals abroad was creating significant manpower gaps across Nigerian hospitals and healthcare institutions.
According to the union, the situation is particularly concerning because Nigeria continues to struggle with inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited manpower and increasing demand for medical services.
MHWUN warned that unless urgent measures are taken to improve the welfare and working conditions of health workers, the country could face a deeper shortage of skilled personnel, with serious consequences for healthcare delivery.
Better Opportunities Abroad Driving Migration
The migration of Nigerian healthcare professionals, popularly known as the “Japa” phenomenon, has become a major issue in the health sector.
Many healthcare workers have sought opportunities in countries across Europe, North America and other regions, attracted by better remuneration, improved working conditions, stronger healthcare infrastructure and clearer career progression.
MHWUN said the continued departure of experienced professionals was placing additional pressure on those who remain in the country.
The union noted that health workers who stay behind are increasingly required to handle heavier workloads, longer working hours and more patients, potentially contributing to fatigue, burnout and reduced productivity.
Manpower Shortage Worsens
The union said Nigeria’s healthcare system was already operating below the level required to adequately serve its large population.
The migration of trained professionals, it argued, compounds the problem by reducing the number of experienced personnel available to provide essential services.
Hospitals in both urban and rural communities can be affected when skilled workers leave, with rural areas often facing the greatest difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified personnel.
MHWUN warned that continued manpower losses could undermine efforts to improve healthcare outcomes and expand access to quality medical services.
Impact on Patients
The consequences of healthcare workers’ migration extend beyond hospitals and medical professionals, as patients ultimately bear much of the burden.
Where hospitals lack sufficient personnel, patients may face longer waiting times, reduced access to specialists and delays in receiving treatment.
Healthcare workers who remain in service may also experience increased pressure as they attempt to fill staffing gaps.
The union said the situation could negatively affect the quality of care and make it more difficult for healthcare institutions to provide efficient and timely services.
Need to Improve Workers’ Welfare
MHWUN called for stronger measures to improve the welfare of health workers and make remaining in Nigeria a more attractive option.
Such measures, according to the union, should include improved salaries and allowances, better working environments, adequate staffing, access to training and opportunities for professional advancement.
The union also emphasised the importance of providing modern medical equipment and ensuring that healthcare workers have the resources required to perform their duties effectively.
It argued that remuneration alone would not solve the migration problem if professionals continue to work in environments characterised by inadequate equipment, excessive workloads and limited career opportunities.
Government Intervention Required
The union urged the Federal Government and state governments to treat healthcare workforce retention as a national priority.
It called for coordinated policies that would address the factors pushing health professionals to seek opportunities abroad.
MHWUN said governments should also engage healthcare unions and professional associations in developing strategies for retaining skilled personnel.
According to the union, policies developed without adequate consultation with healthcare workers may fail to address the realities confronting professionals at hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Training and Retention
Another major concern is the cost of training healthcare professionals who later leave the country.
Nigeria invests substantial public and private resources in training doctors, nurses and other healthcare specialists. When these professionals migrate after completing their education and training, foreign healthcare systems benefit from personnel whose training was partly or largely financed in Nigeria.
MHWUN’s concerns therefore highlight the need for policies that ensure Nigeria receives greater returns from its investment in human capital.
The union said retaining skilled personnel would strengthen the healthcare system and reduce the pressure associated with constantly replacing workers who leave.
Migration Is a Global Phenomenon
Healthcare worker migration is not unique to Nigeria. Countries across Africa and other developing regions have experienced similar challenges as professionals move to countries offering better working conditions.
However, MHWUN argued that Nigeria’s large population and existing healthcare challenges make the consequences particularly serious.
The union stressed that migration itself should not be treated as a crime, noting that workers have legitimate aspirations for better opportunities and improved living standards.
Instead, it said government should focus on creating conditions that make professionals willing to remain and build their careers in Nigeria.
Strengthening the Health System
The union also called for broader investment in Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
According to MHWUN, improving hospitals, expanding healthcare facilities and providing modern equipment would not only benefit patients but also improve the working environment for health professionals.
It urged authorities to ensure that health workers have access to continuous professional development and opportunities to acquire new skills.
Such investments, the union argued, would help strengthen the health system and make Nigeria more competitive in retaining its professionals.
A Warning for the Future
MHWUN’s warning comes amid growing concerns about the sustainability of Nigeria’s healthcare workforce.
If the current trend continues without corresponding recruitment and retention measures, the country could experience deeper shortages in critical areas of healthcare.
The union therefore urged governments at all levels to move beyond expressing concern over migration and implement practical measures capable of addressing its root causes.
For MHWUN, retaining healthcare professionals is not simply a labour issue but a matter of national interest.
The union maintained that Nigeria cannot build a strong healthcare system without a motivated, adequately staffed and properly equipped workforce.
As more Nigerian health professionals consider opportunities abroad, the challenge for policymakers will be to create an environment where skilled workers can pursue rewarding careers at home while ensuring that patients receive accessible, affordable and quality healthcare.
The union’s position ultimately underscores a growing concern across the health sector: without urgent action on welfare, infrastructure, staffing and professional development, the continued migration of healthcare workers could place even greater strain on Nigeria’s healthcare system.