Japa Syndrome: FG's Sobering Message to Nigerians Seeking Greener Pastures

 

Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako

The exodus of Nigerian healthcare professionals, commonly referred to as the “japa syndrome,” may soon become a thing of the past, according to the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako.

During his visit to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on Monday, Salako expressed optimism that the policies and reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration would help retain medical professionals and revitalize the sector.

Beyond Salary Increases: A Call for Commitment

Salako acknowledged that while competitive salaries are important, they are not the sole solution to the country’s healthcare workforce crisis.

“Within Nigeria’s economic realities, health workers are among the best-paid professionals,” he noted. “However, beyond salary increases, we must cultivate a stronger sense of commitment and passion for the profession.”

He further explained that raising salaries for doctors alone would create a ripple effect, leading other professionals—such as teachers—to demand similar adjustments.

Patriotism Over Migration

The minister encouraged healthcare professionals to reconsider the long-term impact of relocating abroad, stressing that national service should be prioritized.

“No matter where you go outside your country, you remain a second-class citizen,” he stated, urging doctors and nurses to see Nigeria as the best place to build a lasting career and legacy.

Government’s Commitment to Strengthening the Health Sector

Salako also addressed the persistent issues plaguing the health sector, such as inadequate funding and unreliable power supply in public hospitals. He praised UBTH for its efforts in managing these challenges and assured that the government was working to increase financial support for the sector.

“Health is the essence of living, and adequate funding is key to solving the sector’s challenges,” he affirmed.

He noted that the current wave of emigration is largely driven by economic factors, but with the government’s focus on capacity building and systemic improvements, the trend is expected to reverse.

UBTH’s Staffing Woes: A Reality Check

During the visit, Prof. Darlington Obaseki, Chief Medical Director of UBTH, painted a grim picture of the staffing crisis affecting service delivery.

“With over 500 patients, we have only 750 nurses working in shifts, struggling to cover clinics, theatres, and inpatient care. Additionally, we have about 250 consultants and fewer than 300 resident doctors,” Obaseki revealed.

He urged the government to take immediate action in addressing workforce shortages, warning that without intervention, the quality of healthcare services could deteriorate further.

A Glimmer of Hope for Nigeria’s Healthcare System

Despite these challenges, the minister remains confident that the government’s ongoing reforms will make Nigeria’s healthcare system more attractive to professionals. With improved policies, better working conditions, and a renewed sense of patriotism, the mass emigration of health workers may soon slow down—offering hope for a more stable and resilient sector.