Lagos Needs 40,000 Doctors and 40,000 Nurses, Sanwo-Olu Warns

Lagos Faces Growing Healthcare Workforce Crisis

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has raised concerns over the shortage of healthcare professionals in Lagos, warning that the state urgently needs tens of thousands of additional medical workers to meet the needs of its rapidly expanding population.

Speaking at the Second Eko Health Convention in Lagos, the governor disclosed that the state currently has only about 7,000 doctors, far below the number required to provide adequate healthcare services.

"Every Doctor Is Doing the Work of 10"

According to Sanwo-Olu, Lagos requires approximately:

• 40,000 doctors

• 40,000 nurses

He said the shortage has placed enormous pressure on the healthcare system, adding that many doctors are handling workloads far beyond what is considered sustainable.

"Every doctor in Lagos today is, in effect, doing the work of 10," the governor said.

Healthcare Sector Needs More Funding

Beyond the shortage of medical personnel, Sanwo-Olu said the health sector also requires at least ₦100 billion above its current budget allocation to adequately meet the needs of residents.

He warned that donor funding for disease control programmes is shrinking, making it increasingly important for governments to invest more in healthcare infrastructure and services.

Brain Drain Continues to Affect Nigeria

Nigeria has continued to lose thousands of doctors and nurses to countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the United States, where healthcare professionals often receive higher salaries, better working conditions, and greater career opportunities.

The migration of medical workers has placed additional strain on hospitals across the country, particularly in major cities such as Lagos.

Government Highlights Progress

Despite the challenges, the governor said Lagos has continued to invest in strengthening its healthcare system.

He noted that more than 1.5 million residents have enrolled in the state's Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme, which is aimed at improving access to affordable healthcare. He also unveiled a new healthcare development roadmap designed to improve service delivery across the state.

Experts Call for Long-Term Solutions

Health experts say addressing the shortage will require:

• Improved salaries and welfare for healthcare workers.

• Increased investment in hospitals and medical equipment.

• Expanded training opportunities for doctors and nurses.

• Better policies to reduce the migration of healthcare professionals abroad.

They argue that without sustained investment, healthcare demand will continue to outpace available personnel as Lagos' population grows.

The Bottom Line

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's warning underscores the scale of the healthcare challenge facing Lagos. With a reported shortage of 40,000 doctors and 40,000 nurses, alongside a significant funding gap, the state's ability to provide quality healthcare will depend on sustained investment, workforce retention, and long-term reforms.