The pronouncement by the World Health Organisation that Nigeria experiences an annual outflow of $1.2 billion due to medical tourism presents a stark reality. This substantial financial drain represents not only a profound setback in human development but also a considerable macroeconomic challenge. The annual exodus of such a significant sum in scarce foreign currency exacerbates the nation’s foreign exchange shortages, placing immense pressure on the naira. This devaluation, in turn, renders imports—including vital medicines and medical equipment—even more costly. From an economic perspective, it is our view that these precious forex reserves could be strategically deployed domestically to bolster crumbling healthcare infrastructure, enhance professional training, address the nation’s escalating insecurity, and invigorate the broader economy.

Regrettably, as this distressing situation persists, the most vulnerable segments of society bear the brunt. Many citizens, facing financial constraints, are unable to access even basic medical care, with some succumbing to illnesses due to their inability to afford medications costing as little as N1,000.

The Alarming State of Health Preparedness and Quality of Care

AAdding to the prevailing challenges, a recent disclosure warns of a potential health emergency looming over Nigeria. The 2025 SBM Health Preparedness Index (HPI) reveals that all 36 Nigerian states scored below 30 per cent. A comprehensive report by SBM Intelligence indicated that no state in the country achieved a preparedness level of 30 per cent or higher to effectively respond to health emergencies or deliver competent quality of care. This disturbing assessment, which evaluated state performance across critical metrics such as doctor-to-population ratio, health budget allocations, human development index, and infant mortality rate, raises serious concerns about Nigeria’s capacity to withstand future health crises.

Analysts have attributed these deficiencies to years of systemic neglect, chronic underfunding, and weak institutional frameworks within the national health system. This is starkly evidenced by Abia State, which, despite recording the highest score, only achieved 26.85 per cent, with all other states failing to surpass the 30 per cent threshold. This widespread inadequacy highlights a critical need for substantial investment to transform Nigeria into a viable healthcare destination.

Disparities in Healthcare Funding and Workforce Distribution

The 2025 HPI report also underscored the uneven distribution of medical personnel across the country. It emphasized the urgent necessity for policy interventions aimed at retaining and reallocating Nigeria’s medical workforce, a critical factor for improving international patient care standards. Furthermore, the report scrutinized state health budgets, revealing significant inconsistencies in governmental commitment to healthcare funding:

  • Highest Nominal Allocation: Lagos maintained the highest nominal allocation, dedicating over N221 billion to health.
  • Highest Proportion of Budget: Kaduna led by committing 16.1 per cent of its total budget to health, followed by Kano (15.2 per cent) and Bauchi (15.1 per cent).
  • Least Committed States: In stark contrast, Akwa Ibom allocated a paltry 4.3 per cent, Bayelsa 4.1 per cent, and Imo a mere 3.5 per cent, identifying them as the least committed in terms of health funding.
  • Per Capita Spending Leaders: On a per capita basis, Abia (N22,926) and Ogun (N21,051) were at the forefront.
  • Per Capita Spending Laggards: Imo (N3,950) and Adamawa (N4,271) ranked at the bottom.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines Health Emergency Preparedness (HEP) as the capability