Nigeria’s healthcare sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the government’s commitment to repositioning it from a cost center to a vital investment for national security, productivity, and socio-economic advancement. At the heart of this transformation is the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Initiative (NHSRII), launched in December 2023, which aims to implement sustainable systemic change. A key focus area of this initiative is addressing the historical challenges faced by the nation’s health workforce.
One of the most pressing issues tackled by the NHSRII is the shortage of healthcare professionals caused by years of underinvestment, poor working conditions, and outward migration. The government has responded with a comprehensive Human Resources for Health Development Strategy. This multifaceted approach includes expanding the training capacity of existing medical and dental schools, establishing new institutions, and increasing admission quotas. These efforts have already resulted in a notable increase in the number of graduating medical and dental professionals, with 4,399 doctors and 274 dentists graduating in 2024. The overall number of licensed medical and dental professionals has risen from 64,949 in 2022 to approximately 66,241 in 2024, signaling positive growth in the health workforce. The expansion extends beyond doctors and dentists, with 19 new nursing schools established in the past two years and approximately 15,000 health workers of various cadres recruited in 2024 to bolster federal health institutions.
Beyond increasing the sheer number of healthcare professionals, the government is also focused on retaining existing talent and attracting professionals to underserved areas. This includes implementing a community health workforce development program through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency. Furthermore, the government is increasing residency and internship placements, improving remuneration packages, and introducing performance-based incentives to make working in underserved areas more attractive. Recognizing the impact of outward migration on the health sector, the government has also implemented a health worker migration policy aimed at managing this flow and leveraging the expertise of Nigerian health workers in the diaspora. To effectively manage and support health personnel, a National Health Workforce Registry has been established along with digital platforms for tracking and support. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a robust, well-trained, and motivated health workforce capable of meeting the nation’s current and future healthcare needs.
Another significant challenge addressed by the NHSRII is the unreliable energy supply, which cripples effective service delivery in healthcare facilities. The government’s ambitious Energy for Health Initiative seeks to address this by ensuring reliable, low-carbon, and sustainable energy access across all federal tertiary hospitals and selected primary health centers. This initiative, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Power, Rural Electrification Agency, and international partners like the World Bank and Gavi, focuses on deploying solar hybrid systems and alternative energy solutions. These efforts aim to eliminate power outages, improve equipment functionality, and enhance the overall quality of healthcare services. Early successes, such as the uninterrupted power supply to critical care units at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre in Keffi, demonstrate the transformative potential of this initiative.
To further expand the Energy for Health Initiative and attract more investment, the Ministry of Health has launched the “Power in the Health Sector” initiative. This new initiative aims to refine the policy framework governing the deployment of energy solutions in healthcare facilities. It seeks to ensure alignment between government policies, the needs of health facilities, investor interests, and the contributions of development partners and civil society. This comprehensive approach aims to create a sustainable and effective energy ecosystem for the health sector.
In conclusion, the Nigerian government is actively working to transform its healthcare landscape through strategic initiatives like the NHSRII. By addressing critical challenges like workforce shortages and unreliable energy access, the government is laying the foundation for a more robust, efficient, and effective healthcare system. The focus on expanding training capacity, improving working conditions, and investing in sustainable energy solutions demonstrates a commitment to long-term improvements in healthcare delivery, ultimately contributing to national development and improved well-being for all citizens. The ongoing progress in the health sector, as evidenced by the increasing number of healthcare professionals and the successful implementation of sustainable energy solutions, signifies a positive trajectory towards a more resilient and equitable healthcare system in Nigeria. The government’s commitment to creating a fit-for-purpose health workforce and ensuring reliable energy access underscores its dedication to achieving universal health coverage and improving the health outcomes of its population.
