Why Nigerian Doctors Japa: When a Consultant Earns Less Than a House Officer in Dollars

I recently discussed Nigeria’s economy and doctors’ migration with friends, including a neurosurgeon and a general surgeon. What stood out was how the economic value of their careers has declined despite years of specialist training. One friend said he earned about $1,500 monthly as a house officer during the Jonathan administration. After completing residency and becoming a consultant neurosurgeon, he reportedly earned about ₦1.1 million monthly, then worth roughly $800. In dollar terms, he was earning less at the peak of his career than when he was a newly qualified doctor. Nigeria has fewer than 39,000 doctors on paper for more than 220 million people, while neurosurgeons are especially scarce. Yet many specialists work with inadequate equipment, weak infrastructure, unstable salaries and limited professional opportunities. Other countries offer better pay, functional hospitals and more predictable conditions. I do not think doctors leave because they suddenly hate Nigeria. They compare their income, working conditions, security, children’s future and career prospects. If Nigeria wants to retain highly trained doctors, it must make staying a rational choice rather than relying on appeals to patriotism.

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