“They are increasing admission into medical schools, building pharmacies… not that they are reducing the number of doctors relocating to the US, UK, and Europe.”
The Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Dr. Musa Olomu, has said Nigerian doctors deserve improved salaries and incentives to curb their migration abroad.
Speaking at a press conference in Abeokuta on Thursday, Olomu, who will exit office on May 31, presented his eight-year scorecard.
He acknowledged government efforts in training medical personnel and building infrastructure but stressed that poor remuneration still drives many abroad. “They are increasing admission into medical schools, building pharmacies… not that they are reducing the number of doctors relocating to the US, UK, and Europe,” he said.
Olomu noted that FMC doctors had achieved rare medical feats, yet earned just ₦700,000–₦800,000 monthly, compared to higher pay overseas. “Give us the salaries that we deserve… then doctors will stay,” he added.
He urged the government to match its investments with adequate compensation to retain healthcare workers and sustain progress in the sector.