The Federal Government has come under renewed criticism following a surge in foreign exchange outflow for medical travel, which hit $549.29m in the first nine months of 2025 — a 17.96 per cent increase from $465.67m recorded in the same period of 2024.
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Q3 2025 statistical bulletin showed Nigerians spent $151.53m in the first quarter, $189.41m in the second quarter, and $208.35m in the third quarter of 2025 on health-related travel. The figures represent personal travel allowances obtained for medical purposes abroad.
Health experts said the steady rise reflects persistent dependence on foreign hospitals for critical care, particularly cardiovascular procedures, cancer treatment and other specialised services. They attributed the trend to declining confidence in local health facilities and recurring systemic disruptions.
Despite repeated assurances by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, that efforts were underway to curb medical tourism and strengthen health sovereignty, analysts said the data indicated limited progress. The minister had earlier stated that Nigeria loses about $2bn annually to outbound medical travel.
Former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Olumide Akintayo, blamed inefficiencies, corruption and prolonged industrial actions in the health sector for worsening conditions. He noted that recent extended strikes disrupted surgeries, diagnostics and drug procurement, further weakening the system.
Akintayo also cited drug shortages and alleged mismanagement of health sector funds as key drivers pushing patients abroad. According to him, essential medicines for cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, cancer and infectious diseases are often unavailable locally.
President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Bala Audu, said many medical travellers likely seek treatment for advanced chronic diseases, especially cancers. While acknowledging that Nigerian doctors are globally competitive, he pointed to gaps in equipment, reagents and funding as major constraints.
Former NMA President Prof. Mike Ogirima described medical tourism as a drain on foreign reserves, stressing that underfunded hospitals and inadequate life-support infrastructure continue to drive affluent Nigerians overseas for care. The rising outflow comes amid broader efforts to stabilise the naira and conserve external reserves.
