Health Alert: Nigerian States Below 30% Preparedness

November 7, 2025 OLAOLUWA AYOMIDE

Experts warn of an imminent health emergency as no state meets minimum readiness standards.

A national health emergency may be looming as all 36 states in Nigeria scored below 30 per cent in the 2025 SBM Health Preparedness Index (HPI), a new report by SBM Intelligence has revealed. The findings raise serious concerns about the country’s capacity to withstand future outbreaks and deliver essential healthcare services.

Grim Statistics Across the Nation

According to the report, no state in Nigeria achieved up to 30 per cent in the latest assessment of readiness for health emergencies. The highest score came from Abia State, which recorded 26.85 per cent, while other states fell even lower — a result analysts attribute to years of neglect, underfunding, and weak institutional systems.

The index evaluated performance based on critical indicators such as doctor-to-population ratio, health budget allocation, infant mortality rate, and the Human Development Index (HDI).

“This data paints a worrisome picture of Nigeria’s preparedness,” the report noted, “especially as the country continues to grapple with the lingering aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic, five years after its onset.”

The Doctor Exodus and Its Dire Effects

One of the most alarming revelations in the report is the mass migration of Nigerian-trained doctors, which continues to drain the country’s health capacity. Driven by poor working conditions, insecurity, and inadequate remuneration, thousands of medical professionals have left for opportunities abroad.

SBM researchers estimate that over 67 per cent of Nigerian-trained doctors now practise overseas, creating an acute shortage of medical personnel at home. The doctor-to-patient ratio has now collapsed to an average of 1:15,361 nationwide, far below the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended standard.

In some states, the situation is catastrophic: Bauchi State has just one doctor for every 54,249 residents, while Zamfara and Kebbi face similar extremes. Conversely, Lagos, Edo, and Enugu have the most favourable ratios, with fewer than 3,200 patients per doctor.

Experts warn that this uneven distribution could deepen regional health disparities unless urgent steps are taken to retain and redistribute Nigeria’s medical workforce.

The Funding Gap: A Tale of Inequality

The report also highlighted troubling inconsistencies in state health budgets. While Lagos allocated over ₦221 billion to the health sector — the largest nominal figure — Kaduna devoted the highest percentage of its total budget to health at 16.1 per cent, followed by Kano (15.2%) and Bauchi (15.1%).

On the other hand, Akwa Ibom (4.3%), Bayelsa (4.1%), and Imo (3.5%) ranked lowest, indicating weak fiscal prioritisation despite ongoing public health challenges.

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In per capita terms, Abia (₦22,926) and Ogun (₦21,051) led the country, while Imo (₦3,950) and Adamawa (₦4,271) trailed behind. Analysts warned that these disparities could perpetuate health inequality, particularly in regions with high disease burdens and limited infrastructure.

Regional Divide in Health Outcomes

For the first time, Abia State topped the HPI rankings, buoyed by higher health spending and a relatively strong Human Development Index (0.674). Ogun and Lagos followed closely, while Osun and Edo rounded out the top five.

However, the northern region remains the most vulnerable, with Kebbi (13.31), Katsina (12.54), Sokoto, Gombe, and Zamfara at the bottom. Notably, Ebonyi State, from the South-East, entered the bottom five for the first time due to its low budget and an alarming doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:21,202.

A Call for Urgent Reform

The findings serve as a wake-up call to both federal and state governments. Public health experts are urging immediate investment in healthcare infrastructure, medical personnel training, and improved welfare to stem the ongoing brain drain.

As one analyst noted, “Nigeria’s next major health crisis will not wait for us to be ready. Unless the country strengthens its healthcare systems now, we risk facing a national emergency with little capacity to respond.”

The 2025 SBM Health Preparedness Index offers more than data — it issues a clear warning: without decisive action, the nation’s health future remains at risk.