Healthcare Exodus: Nigeria Advertises Only 36 Health Jobs Amid Worker Exodus

You may think that with over 220 million people, Nigeria would need a lot of healthcare workers. And you'd be right. But a recent survey by the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) has found that the country is not advertising many jobs to replace those who have left.

A 'japa' is a Nigerian term for fleeing the country, often due to economic or work-related issues. Many of Nigeria's healthcare workers have 'japa'd to other countries, leaving behind a depleted workforce.

According to NISER, only 36 formal health sector vacancies were advertised in Nigerian newspapers in the first quarter of 2026. This is a minuscule number considering the country's large population and the need for more healthcare workers.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has spoken out about the issue, saying that the mass exodus of Nigerian health workers abroad has intensified manpower shortages and placed enormous pressure on the country's already overstretched health system.

The problem is not just about replacing doctors and nurses. The NISER report also found that other critical sectors such as agriculture, IT/communication, and manufacturing/construction are not being given enough attention.

Agriculture, which employs more than 35% of Nigeria's workforce, accounted for only 11 advertised vacancies during the review period. This is shocking considering the sector's importance to the country's economy.

IT/communication, on the other hand, recorded only 10 formal vacancies despite being one of Africa's leading technology hubs. The NISER report noted that the IT sector was 'entirely invisible in this data,' probably because hiring happens via online platforms and referrals.

The report also found that employment opportunities remain concentrated in the South-West zone and in sectors such as the service industry. This means that many parts of the country are being left behind.

The NISER report provides a stark picture of the challenges facing Nigeria's labour market. With many critical sectors not receiving enough attention, it's unlikely that the country will be able to replace its lost healthcare workers anytime soon.

'Japa syndrome depletes doctors and nurses faster than formal recruitment replaces them. Only 36 vacancies for a nation of 220 million people.'

This quote from the NISER report sums up the problem facing Nigeria's healthcare sector. With only 36 health sector vacancies advertised in the first quarter of 2026, it's clear that the country needs to do more to replace its lost healthcare workers.

Nigeria's healthcare system is struggling to cope with the loss of many healthcare workers due to the 'japa' phenomenon.