The government seeks N4.55 billion to address the critical healthcare worker deficit across 26 states.
Nigeria’s Federal Government says it requires N4.55 billion to recruit primary healthcare workers to fill 122,696 vacant positions across 26 states, as the country grapples with a critical shortage of frontline medical personnel.
The staffing gap has raised concerns over the capacity of Nigeria’s primary healthcare system to provide essential medical services, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to healthcare remains limited.
Government officials said the proposed funding would support the recruitment of healthcare workers needed to strengthen service delivery at primary health centres nationwide. The move is expected to improve access to basic healthcare services and help ease pressure on existing medical staff.
The shortage of healthcare professionals has been identified as one of the major challenges facing Nigeria’s health sector, with many facilities operating below recommended staffing levels. Experts have warned that inadequate human resources continue to affect the quality of care, disease prevention efforts, maternal and child health services, and emergency response.
The planned recruitment forms part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen the country’s healthcare system and improve health outcomes for millions of Nigerians.
Health sector stakeholders have also emphasized the importance of retaining trained professionals through improved working conditions, competitive remuneration, and increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, noting that recruitment alone will not fully address the country’s long-term workforce challenges.
If approved, the funding is expected to support one of the largest primary healthcare recruitment drives in recent years, helping bridge workforce gaps and expand access to essential health services across Nigeria.
