The United Kingdom’s Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has reported that at least 14,815 nurses and midwives trained in Nigeria have migrated to the UK in the past five years in search of better opportunities.

According to the council, between April and September 2024 alone, 1,159 Nigerian-trained health professionals were added to the UK’s NMC register, representing an 8.5 per cent increase in just six months.

While the register only reflects those qualified to practise in the UK and does not necessarily confirm employment, the steady rise in figures since 2017 has been described as a clear indication of the ongoing migration trend among Nigerian healthcare workers.

The NMC further revealed that as of September 30, 2024, more than 200,000 foreign-trained health professionals were registered to work in the UK, with Nigeria ranking third behind India and the Philippines in terms of numbers.

Despite a 16.1 per cent decline in new Nigerian additions compared to the previous year, the country remains one of the UK’s leading sources of health workers.

The continued outflow has raised concerns among Nigerian health authorities. At the Association of Medical Councils of Africa (AMCOA) conference held in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, warned that the persistent brain drain is putting significant strain on the country’s healthcare system.

Salako was quoted as saying that although Nigeria trains some of the world’s best doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, many leave in pursuit of better opportunities abroad.

He acknowledged the global impact of Nigerian professionals but stressed that the country must now address the toll their departure takes on local health services and the broader economy.

He also called for collaboration among African nations to establish stronger, legally binding agreements with countries like the UK, which benefit from African-trained personnel.

According to him, such agreements should ensure that hiring countries contribute to the training and infrastructure development of the nations they recruit from.

In addition, Salako emphasized the need to retain local healthcare workers by improving incentives and working conditions.

“We need to boost the output of our medical schools while creating working conditions that inspire our health workers to stay and serve their communities,” he said.

Healthcare workers and industry observers have repeatedly identified poor remuneration, inadequate facilities, and unfavorable working conditions as major drivers of migration.

Deputy Director, Nursing Services, LUTH, Mrs. Serat Ojei raised alarm about the massive emigration of healthcare workers, describing it as a major factor fueling migration, medical tourism, and causing staff shortages in hospitals.

Using LUTH to describe the situation, Ojei during a media parley by the Festus Fajemiko Foundation (FFF) in Lagos explained that the number of nurses currently working at LUTH has dropped from over 700 to just 340, leading to burnout among remaining staff.

“The government is not handling this issue properly. If good welfare packages, better salaries, and conducive working conditions are provided, the exodus will reduce,” the nurse asserted.

The nurse called on the government to improve the healthcare system, emphasising the need for better pay, working conditions, and infrastructure to retain skilled professionals and reduce the reliance on foreign medical assistance and tourism.