Northern Nigeria is grappling with a critical shortage of medical doctors, with some states recording one doctor for over 43,000 patients, according to the SBM Health Preparedness Index 2025.
The report, which assessed the capacity of Nigeria’s 36 states to respond to health emergencies, shows that Bauchi, Zamfara, and Kebbi top the list of states worst hit by doctor shortages. In Bauchi, a single doctor caters to 54,249 people, while Zamfara and Kebbi record 49,266 and 43,807 patients per doctor, respectively.
In stark contrast, southern states such as Enugu (1:299), Lagos (1:2,136), and Edo (1:3,111) boast the most favourable doctor-to-patient ratios, highlighting the deep regional disparities in healthcare access.
Experts warn that Nigeria’s persistent medical brain drain is worsening the crisis, leaving rural and northern communities dangerously underserved. “This imbalance threatens the nation’s ability to deliver quality healthcare and protect citizens’ well-being,” the report stated.
The study also noted significant gaps in state health budgets. Lagos leads with over ₦221 billion allocated to health in 2025, while Kaduna ranks highest proportionally at 16.1 per cent of its budget. At the bottom, Akwa Ibom (4.3%), Bayelsa (4.1%), and Imo (3.5%) allocate the least to health, despite high vulnerability to disease outbreaks.
Analysts warn that unless urgent measures, including competitive pay, better infrastructure, and improved security, are implemented, Nigeria risks deepening its health crisis as more doctors emigrate and fewer remain to serve its growing population.
