Pharmacists Raise Alarm as 9,850 Professionals Leave Nigeria in Five Years

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has expressed concern over the growing migration of pharmacists from the country, revealing that about 9,850 professionals have left Nigeria in the past five years in search of better career opportunities abroad. The association warned that the trend is worsening the shortage of skilled healthcare workers and placing additional pressure on the nation's health system.

Speaking during the 98th Annual National Conference of the PSN in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the society's President, Professor Cyril Usifoh, described the continued emigration of pharmacists as a major threat to healthcare delivery. He said the departure of experienced professionals is creating significant workforce gaps in hospitals, community pharmacies, academia and the pharmaceutical industry.

Usifoh attributed the increasing migration to poor remuneration, inadequate working conditions, limited opportunities for career advancement and broader economic challenges. He urged the Federal Government to introduce policies that would improve the welfare of healthcare professionals and create an environment that encourages them to remain in the country.

The PSN also called for greater investment in the healthcare sector, stressing that retaining skilled professionals is essential to strengthening pharmaceutical services and improving access to quality healthcare for Nigerians. The society warned that if the trend continues unchecked, it could further weaken the country's capacity to meet growing healthcare demands.

The concerns come amid ongoing reports of the migration of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals, highlighting the wider challenge of brain drain facing Nigeria's health sector and its impact on service delivery.