Doctors Fleeing Nigeria: Insecurity Fuels Exodus, Says Kogi NMA Chair

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has pointed to the escalating security crisis in Nigeria as the primary driver of a mass exodus of doctors from the country. Dr. Abubakar Hassan, the Kogi State NMA Chairman, highlighted the recent nationwide strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and stressed that the insecurity has made medical personnel prime targets for criminals. He noted the prevalence of unreported cases of doctors being held captive, with some fearing further endangering their colleagues by reporting these incidents. The Kogi NMA chairman explained that this alarming situation has eroded the safety of doctors, forcing many to seek work in other countries, where their lives are not constantly under threat. The lack of security, he argued, is a critical component of the welfare package that doctors need to feel safe and secure in their work environment.