In 2018, Buhari made another brief medical trip to London in May, reportedly for a follow-up consultation
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo served as acting president during President Muhammadu Buhari’s medical absences.
In 2018, Buhari made another brief medical trip to London in May, reportedly for a follow-up consultation. After a relatively quiet period, he resumed his medical visits in 2021, travelling to the UK in March for a routine check-up.
This trip coincided with a strike by Nigerian doctors, highlighting the irony of the president seeking care abroad while the domestic healthcare system was in crisis. He returned to London again in June and July of that year for further treatment.
In 2022, Buhari made at least two more medical trips to the UK—one in March and another in October. These visits were described as routine medical check-ups. His final known medical trip as president occurred in May 2023, shortly after attending the coronation of King Charles III. He reportedly extended his stay in London to undergo a dental procedure.
In total, Buhari is believed to have spent over 230 days abroad for medical reasons during his presidency. The financial cost of these trips, particularly the operation and maintenance of the presidential jet, was estimated by some media outlets to range between ₦1.1 billion and ₦5.4 billion. These figures do not include the cost of medical care, accommodation, or the accompanying delegation.
The president’s reliance on foreign healthcare drew sharp criticism from civil society groups, medical professionals, and political opponents. Many viewed it as a betrayal of his campaign promises and a stark symbol of the government’s neglect of Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
Dr. Osahon Enabulele, then president of the World Medical Association, described the situation as a “national shame,” while opposition figures like human rights activist Omoyele Sowore lambasted Buhari for failing to build a single world-class hospital in Nigeria throughout his tenure.
Despite the backlash, Buhari remained largely unapologetic about his medical travels, often citing the need for continuity in treatment and the importance of trust in his long-time UK-based doctors.
His administration offered little transparency about the specifics of his health, reinforcing a culture of secrecy around the medical conditions of Nigerian leaders.
THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED AT SAHARA REPORTERS