Nigeria primary healthcare centres face severe staffing shortages

A new report by Orodata Science and Civic Tech reveals that 97% of Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) in 16 Nigerian states fail to meet national staffing standards. The assessment, which covered 277 local government areas, highlights a critical shortage of doctors, nurses, and midwives. This deficiency is exacerbated by the ‘Japa’ syndrome, a significant exodus of healthcare professionals migrating to Europe and North America.

The staffing gap directly impacts maternal and child health, as many rural communities lack access to safe delivery services. This shortage also places an avoidable burden on secondary and tertiary hospitals as patients seek care for basic ailments elsewhere.

While the Nigerian government set a target in 2023 to expand fully functional PHCs from 8,800 to 17,600 by 2027, progress remains slow. Data from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) shows that only 1,295 facilities had been revitalized by September 2025, representing just 7.3% of the target. Experts note that a functional facility requires more than just infrastructure; it must possess the necessary personnel, medicines, and equipment to meet essential service standards.