Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised alarm over the deepening crisis in Nigeria’s healthcare system, urging a total overhaul in how the country addresses healthcare, education, and poverty.
Obi delivered a keynote address at a high-profile event organized by ANAP Doctors in North America, in partnership with the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, held at the Eko Hotel in Lagos.
Themed “Beyond Borders – Uniting for Medical Excellence, Strengthening Our Alumni, and Inspiring the Next Generation,” the gathering spotlighted pressing challenges in the health sector.
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Obi argued that the true measure of national development lies not in physical infrastructure but in the Human Development Index (HDI)—with healthcare playing a central role.
“The most vital indicators of progress are not roads or buildings, but the health of our people, quality education, and poverty reduction. That’s why we say, ‘health is wealth,’” he said.
Painting a stark picture, Obi noted that more than 70% of Nigeria’s primary healthcare centres are currently non-functional due to inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of trained personnel.
He highlighted the country’s poor doctor-to-patient ratio, meeting only 10% of the global standard. In contrast, India despite having seven times Nigeria’s population has achieved about 80% of the recommended ratio and continues to expand its network of medical schools.
Obi also cited South Africa as an example of better health sector planning, noting it has allocated more than twice Nigeria’s healthcare spending between 2021 and 2025, despite a significantly smaller population.
He expressed concern over Nigeria’s use of borrowed funds, revealing that the country secured over $11 billion from the World Bank for healthcare and medical education between 2023 and 2025 yet tangible results remain elusive.
“We keep borrowing but the results aren’t there. Our loans should be targeted at real, impactful sectors like healthcare and education,” Obi said.
Calling for a fundamental shift in national priorities, he urged the government to channel resources especially loans into sectors with long-term value.
“It’s time to rethink our planning and direct resources into areas that will yield lasting benefits for our people.”
Obi commended the event’s organisers for raising $1 million to support healthcare projects and applauded the University of Nigeria alumni and medical professionals for their dedication to improving lives.
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