In a strong appeal marking the 2025 Democracy Day celebration, health practitioners across Nigeria have urged the Nigerian government to comprehensively restructure the nation’s economy and increase funding to the health sector as a means of addressing economic hardship and improving national well-being.
The experts, in Lagos, emphasised that a stable economy and effective healthcare system are foundational to national progress and the overall health of citizens.
Mental Health and Budgetary Commitment
Prof. Taiwo Obindo, President of the Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria (APN), urged Nigerians to remain resilient despite the economic challenges, expressing optimism that conditions would improve.
He stressed the need for greater governmental focus on mental health, highlighting that issues like insomnia, intrusive thoughts, and emotional distress should not be ignored and should be treated by professionals.
“Health is wealth. When the people are healthy, productivity increases,” Obindo said.
“Government must stop paying lip service to the health sector. It is time for action.”
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Obindo called for the full implementation of the Abuja Declaration of 2001, which recommends that 15% of national budgets be allocated to healthcare. He lamented that Nigeria has never exceeded 6–7% allocation, a figure he described as insufficient in light of present health and security challenges.
He also advocated for:
- Expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to reduce out-of-pocket spending.
- Implementation of the National Mental Health Act 2021, to promote access, reduce stigma, and integrate mental health into primary care.
Healthcare Exodus and Inflation: A Crisis Point
Contributing to the discussion, Dr. Livinus Abonyi, a medical imaging scientist and lecturer at the Lagos University College of Medicine, said that the current economic structure is unsustainable and is taking a toll on the healthcare system.
“The health sector is collapsing under the weight of manpower shortages, inflation, and high costs,” Abonyi stated.
“Most of our trained professionals are leaving for better opportunities abroad.”
Abonyi warned that unless there is a complete overhaul of the economic and leadership principles guiding the country, healthcare—and other critical sectors—will continue to deteriorate.
He noted:
- Rising inflation is pushing medical services and drugs out of reach for average Nigerians.
- There is a brain drain crisis, with trained health professionals migrating abroad in large numbers.
- Urgent reforms are needed to halt the loss of talent and salvage what remains of the health system.
Call to Action on Democracy Day
Both experts concluded that restructuring the economy, increasing healthcare funding, and ensuring access to affordable medical services are essential steps toward building a stronger, healthier Nigeria.
As the country commemorates its democracy, the call is clear: healthcare must be prioritized, not only as a right, but as a critical driver of national development and stability.
NAN