At the 2026 UK Global Health Summit, Nigeria's Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, highlighted the ongoing crisis in the country's healthcare system caused by the mass migration of medical professionals, known locally as 'japa.' This phenomenon of health worker emigration has exacerbated the existing manpower shortages and places additional pressure on Nigeria's already stretched healthcare resources. Salako pointed out that the country currently has only about four doctors for every 10,000 citizens, which is significantly below the World Health Organization's recommended minimum of ten doctors.

Salako's remarks come at a crucial time when the healthcare system in Nigeria is struggling to cope with the challenges posed by this migration, as many health workers seek better opportunities abroad. The minister emphasized that this exodus is not merely a national issue but part of a broader global health workforce crisis, urging international attention and collaborative solutions to address this pressing concern. He underscored that the health workforce crisis poses not only a threat to Nigeria's health system but also reflects broader trends affecting healthcare delivery globally.

The implications of this crisis are profound, as it jeopardizes the health outcomes of millions of Nigerians who rely on the public healthcare system. Salako's appeal to the global community seeks not only to raise awareness but also to foster partnerships that might help in reconciling the deficits in healthcare provision both domestically and internationally. Without urgent action, the sustainability of Nigeria's healthcare system remains in jeopardy, highlighting the need for collective efforts to retain and support health workers.