Health Worker Shortage, Insecurity Threaten Healthcare Access in Nigeria

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector have warned that insecurity, a shortage of healthcare workers, inadequate funding, and weak healthcare laws are major obstacles to achieving quality healthcare for all citizens.

The concerns were raised during the 4th Annual Scientific Conference of the College of Health Sciences at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, where experts discussed ways to improve healthcare access despite growing security challenges.

Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Abubakar, said the state government has introduced a two-year compulsory service policy for health professionals trained through state scholarships to address the shortage of medical personnel, particularly in rural areas.

He added that the government has awarded 500 scholarships for midwife training, renovated more than 160 primary healthcare centres, and restored services in 92 facilities as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery.

Former House of Representatives member, Dr Shehu Kakale, called for constitutional reforms to make healthcare a fundamental right for all Nigerians.

He stressed that stronger legal backing and increased government funding are necessary to improve access to healthcare services nationwide.

Participants at the conference also highlighted the impact of insecurity on healthcare delivery, noting that attacks by bandits have disrupted services in many communities and forced residents to relocate, placing greater pressure on existing health facilities.

They urged governments at all levels to increase investment in healthcare, expand health insurance coverage, strengthen primary healthcare services, and create conditions that will encourage medical professionals to remain and work in Nigeria.

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