Resident Doctors Demand Better Incentives to Curb Medical Brain Drain in Nigeria

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on federal and state governments to urgently improve the welfare and working conditions of medical professionals in a bid to stem the tide of mass emigration, popularly known as the “japa” syndrome.

President of the association, Dr. Tope Osundara, made the appeal on Saturday in Calabar during a press briefing to mark the end of NARD’s July 2025 National Executive Council Meeting, hosted by the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) from July 21 to 26.

Dr. Osundara said that the sustained exodus of Nigerian doctors is being driven by inadequate remuneration, poor incentives, and decaying infrastructure in the country’s healthcare system.

“If incentives remain inadequate, uncompetitive, and unattractive, the emigration of doctors from Nigeria will not stop,” he said.
“This is a wake-up call to all levels of government to address the nation’s healthcare challenges and reduce the ‘japa’ syndrome.”

He referenced Nigeria’s Health Workforce Policy, recently released by the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate, which identifies incentives and retention strategies as crucial to halting professional flight.

The NARD president further decried the state of public healthcare facilities across the country, pointing to equipment shortages, infrastructure decay, and underfunding as major obstacles.

“According to the Abuja Declaration of 2001, at least 15% of Nigeria’s annual budget should be allocated to healthcare. Yet, we are still struggling to meet even 6% in 2025.”

Dr. Osundara also challenged political leaders to set an example by seeking medical care within Nigeria, stressing that ending medical tourism could redirect valuable funds into the development of local health systems.

“When politicians shun local hospitals, it sends a message that the healthcare services available to the masses are substandard,” he added.

The weeklong NEC meeting included courtesy visits to Governor Bassey Otu, the Obong of Calabar, and a local orphanage, reinforcing NARD’s commitment to community outreach and engagement.

NARD’s call comes amid increasing public concern over Nigeria’s declining doctor-to-patient ratio and growing dependence on foreign-trained personnel, especially in critical specialties.