By Sesi Noah The Lagos branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has strongly criticized both the Federal and State governments, acc...
By Sesi Noah
The Lagos branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has strongly criticized both the Federal and State governments, accusing them of neglecting healthcare funding, ignoring doctors’ welfare, and deliberately undermining salary structures in the sector. The association warned that Nigeria has now become one of the world’s leading exporters of doctors, second only to India.
Speaking at a press briefing to mark the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference, the Lagos NMA Chairman, Dr. Saheed Babajide, said it was shameful that despite increased government revenues, healthcare remains grossly underfunded, leaving doctors overworked, underpaid, and forced to seek opportunities abroad.
“The president himself has admitted that the country has cleared its debts and is earning more revenue. So why are we still stuck at 5% health allocation instead of the 15% agreed under the Abuja Declaration?” Babajide asked.
He added: “Any government that cannot reach at least 8% allocation has failed. Nigeria has the money and the capacity to fund healthcare, but the truth is—it simply doesn’t prioritize it.”
The 2025 national budget allocated ₦2.48 trillion to health, just 5.18% of total spending, far below the 15% continental target. Babajide said the result is collapsing hospitals, worsening work conditions, and the mass migration of health workers.
“Nigeria has now become the hub of medical brain drain after India. Sadly, doctors have become the country’s second-largest export after crude oil,” he lamented.
On welfare, Babajide condemned the salary cuts imposed on Lagos doctors for July and August 2025 by the State Treasury Office, demanding an immediate reversal.
“We completely reject any tampering with doctors’ salaries in Lagos. At the very least, the pre-April 2025 salary scale must be restored by September. With the workload and harsh economic realities in Lagos, our members deserve better, not less,” he insisted.
The NMA also criticized the failure to provide call-duty meals and settle outstanding allowances at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), describing it as “welfare sabotage” that directly affects patient care.
The association further renewed its call for a single five-year tenure for Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of tertiary hospitals to prevent misuse of office.
This year’s conference will feature Prof. Edamisan Temiye as keynote speaker, alongside discussions on medico-legal challenges, with contributions from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Lagos Ministry of Justice, law enforcement agencies, and legal experts. Other events include free medical outreach, quiz competitions, football matches, the commissioning of a rehabilitated clinic at SCID Panti, religious services, and a closing dinner.
Dr. Babajide urged policymakers to stop prioritizing project commissioning and international research deals over manpower.
“The truth is simple—without doctors and health workers, there is no healthcare system. The government must stop chasing shadows and address the real crisis: doctors are leaving in droves, and those who stay are being crushed by poor pay and terrible conditions,” he warned.
He stressed that unless the government takes urgent steps to improve funding, restore fair salary structures, and create better working environments, Nigeria faces a worsening health emergency.
“We remain committed to dialogue, but let’s be clear—we will not hesitate to take strong action to defend the dignity of doctors and the healthcare rights of Nigerians,” Babajide declared.
Photo credit: Vanguard News.
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