Doctors Die, Risks Rise as Safety Failures Plague Nigeria’s Hospitals
Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Nigerian doctors face escalating occupational dangers as weak safety systems, chronic underfunding and overstretched facilities expose frontline health workers to deadly infections and psychological strain, the National Association of Resident Doctors warns.
The National Secretary, National Association of Resident Doctors, (NARD), Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim in an interview with African Health Report on Saturday says everyday medical practice increasingly places doctors “directly in harm’s way,” particularly in facilities lacking basic infection prevention structures.
“Overcrowded wards, poor ventilation and excessive workloads significantly heighten exposure to infectious diseases,” Ibrahim tells Africa Health Report, warning that preventable risks are becoming routine.
His comments follow the death of Dr Salome Oboyi, a senior registrar in obstetrics and gynaecology at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, who reportedly contracts Lassa fever while treating a patient. Ibrahim says the tragedy reflects systemic failure rather than isolated misfortune.
“When infectious cases are not identified early, doctors unknowingly expose themselves during routine care or emergency procedures,” he explains. “Inadequate protection remains a critical gap.”
Shortages of personal protective equipment persist nationwide, while inconsistent supply chains force health workers to improvise. Delayed laboratory confirmation, limited isolation units and workforce shortages further compound the risks.
Ibrahim warns that repeated exposure without safeguards erodes morale and fuels the emigration of skilled doctors abroad. “Many feel undervalued when their safety is treated as optional,” he says.
He urges government and hospital managers to act swiftly by guaranteeing sustained PPE supply, enforcing infection control training, strengthening diagnostic capacity and introducing comprehensive occupational hazard insurance.
“Protecting healthcare workers protects patients,” Ibrahim stresses. “A safer workforce strengthens the entire health system.”
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Koko Maxwella 
Chukwu Obinna