Healthcare in Nigeria

The lack of quality healthcare in Nigeria is a significant hurdle that you may have to accept when moving here. While state-run hospitals and dispensaries exist, they often fall short with poor to fair facilities, under-trained professionals, and outdated equipment. Even private and non-governmental medical centres, while better, are not without their challenges.

Diseases that are rare in developed countries, like cholera and tetanus, still pose a serious threat in Nigeria. However, there is some good news on the horizon. Nigeria was recently declared free from wild polio, the last country in Africa to do so. Progress is also being made in the widespread administration of vaccines, offering hope for future improvements.

When moving to Nigeria, it’s essential to understand the healthcare system’s features and limitations, including health insurance requirements and the potential health risks you may face.

Public healthcare in Nigeria

Public healthcare in Nigeria is regulated across federal, state, and local levels, covering teaching hospitals, general hospitals, and local dispensaries. Unfortunately, the sector remains severely underfunded. 

In 2024, healthcare received less than 5 percent of the national budget, a slight improvement but still inadequate for addressing Nigeria’s significant healthcare challenges. The healthcare system's chronic underfunding means few qualified doctors and limited resources across the board.

The focus of government spending is also heavily skewed towards urban areas, leaving rural regions poorly serviced. While new initiatives like the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund aim to improve access to essential services in these underserved areas, progress has been slow. 

If you’re planning to live in Nigeria, particularly outside major cities, it’s wise to rely primarily on private hospitals for medical care.

Useful links

• Nigeria Health Watch
• Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health
• Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF)

Private healthcare in Nigeria

Private healthcare in Nigeria has been expanding, and you’ll likely rely on these facilities during your time here. While they don’t always have the comforts you may be used to in the UK or the US, many private clinics offer decent care, and they tend to focus on providing a higher standard of service than public hospitals.

In some cases, private hospitals have improved their ability to treat more complex medical conditions through investment in better technology and specialised staff training. However, don’t expect all private hospitals to meet international benchmarks consistently. 

If you need serious or specialised treatment, it’s worth considering travel to South Africa or Europe. For routine check-ups and minor issues, private hospitals in urban areas, including private hospitals in Lagos, are typically sufficient.

Health insurance in Nigeria

In Nigeria, healthcare services usually require immediate payment in cash upfront. For this reason, securing private health insurance is vital, particularly if you need to cover the cost of an emergency medical evacuation abroad. 

Private healthcare costs in Nigeria can escalate quickly, even for routine treatments. In the case of serious medical issues or emergency evacuations, costs can reach tens of thousands. Make sure that emergency evacuation is part of your insurance policy – this is often included in expat employment contracts, but if it’s not, bring it up with your employer.

With the introduction of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, healthcare access has improved, and expats are now required to have health insurance. This ensures that you can access local healthcare services while living in Nigeria.

Useful links

• National Health Insurance Scheme/Authority (NHIS/A)

Pharmacies in Nigeria

Pharmacies are fairly easy to find in most Nigerian cities, and the availability of both prescription and over-the-counter medications has improved significantly recently. Although consistency in supply can still be an issue, especially in rural areas, you'll find a broad range of essential drugs across Nigeria.

Many international pharmaceutical brands are available in Nigeria, offering access to medications that meet global standards. That said, it’s a good idea to bring a supply of any prescription medications you regularly use, along with the prescription itself, just in case. 

You’ll also need to declare your medication at customs and be mindful of import regulations, especially for controlled substances. Carrying proper documentation can help avoid any hassles at the border.

Useful links

• Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN)
• Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board: Pharmaceutical Services

Health hazards in Nigeria

Nigeria is heavily impacted by tropical diseases like malaria, typhoid, cholera, and yellow fever. From June to October, the rainy season sees a spike in water-borne diseases, making it a particularly risky time for travellers and residents alike.

Malaria remains a major concern throughout Nigeria. Current guidelines recommend using insecticide-treated bed nets, applying mosquito repellent, and wearing long-sleeved clothing to prevent bites. Prophylactic medications for malaria are available, although opinions differ on their long-term use due to side effects. These drugs may also mask malaria symptoms, complicating timely treatment. 

Consult a medical professional to determine the best prevention strategy for you. Be proactive: fumigate your living space twice a year, use a mosquito net, and seek medical attention immediately if you show any symptoms of malaria.

Diseases like HIV and tuberculosis are still widespread, so appropriate precautions are essential. You should also avoid drinking untreated tap water, as water-borne diseases spread rapidly. Diarrhoea is a common issue for new arrivals, especially those unaccustomed to the local water and food hygiene standards.

Useful links

• Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)

Vaccinations for Nigeria

Speak with a healthcare professional before you depart to get personalised advice based on the latest recommendations for travellers to Nigeria. The following vaccinations are typically recommended before travelling to Nigeria:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Measles
• Meningitis
• Polio
• Rubella
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever (mandatory for entry)

This list is a general guideline. You should also ensure that all your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Given some recent outbreaks of diphtheria and measles, staying current with your vaccinations is more important than ever.

Useful links

• CDC: Vaccination Recommendations for Nigeria

Emergency services in Nigeria

Emergency response times in Nigeria are typically slower than you may be accustomed to. Private medical emergency services in cities like Lagos offer faster and more reliable care, but rural areas remain underserved. 

You should plan accordingly if you’re travelling or living in remote regions. Ensure your health insurance includes comprehensive coverage for air evacuation, as this may be your best option in an emergency.

In the event of an emergency in Nigeria, you can dial the following numbers:

• General emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112
• Police: 199

While these numbers are available, especially in urban areas, response times and availability may vary, particularly in more remote regions.