Nigerian doctors relocating to Sierra Leone, Gambia to earn $4,000 wages, CMDs tell Reps

The Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors/Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals, Prof. Emem Bassey, has lamented that the health sector in Nigeria is facing a manpower crisis as professionals are leaving the country in droves to countries like Sierra Leone and Gambia where they earn about #3000 to $4000 which is above what they earn back here in Nigeria.

Bassey, who is the CMD of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, disclosed this when he appeared before the House of Representatives ad hoc committee probing employment racketeering in Federal Government agencies on Wednesday, August 30.  

According to him, other African countries are now poaching Nigerian medical doctors and health professionals. 

“Some African countries are beginning to poach from Nigeria. The West Coast is looking for our specialists. So many people are now going to places, like Sierra Leone and Gambia, and the wage they earn is about $3000, $4000. It is about three to four times what they earn back home.

What we are seeing is that medical specialists, not just doctors…In fact, even more nurses are leaving. Doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, radiographers and all manner of health professionals are leaving the country in droves.

That is part of the problem we are facing. Replacement of these health workers is a major challenge. This is because even though we are usually granted approvals to recruit, getting the waivers is a tortuous process.” he said