Korede Abdullah 
Dr. Babatunde Ipaye
LAGOS, Nigeria – Former Ogun State Health Commissioner, Dr Babatunde Ipaye, warns that poor remuneration for Nigerian doctors may deter young people from entering the medical profession.
Speaking after delivering a keynote address at the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) NEC meeting in Abeokuta, Ipaye says doctors’ earnings are “unacceptable” and do not reflect their sacrifices.
“The pay for doctors in Nigeria is not enough. Sometimes when I hear what my colleagues are paid, I wonder who would even want to study medicine,” he says. He describes current wages as “peanuts”, arguing that they contribute to recurring strikes and the mass emigration of medical professionals.
He calls for increased healthcare funding, an expansion of health insurance beyond its current 4 per cent population coverage, and higher budgetary allocation in line with population needs. Nigeria’s 3.7 per cent health spending-to-GDP ratio, he notes, is far below what is required.
NMA President, Prof Bala Audu, says Nigeria can become a global hub for medical training if doctors’ welfare improves. Ogun NMA Chairman, Dr Luqman Ogunjimi, praises the conference theme, saying it underscores the urgent need for stronger support for health workers.
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