Analysts and health experts slammed the government for failing to curb medical tourism despite repeated pledges to improve local healthcare infrastructure and reduce dependence on treatment abroad. The foreign exchange refers to the personal allowance an individual can obtain from the Central Bank of Nigeria for medical travel abroad. Despite promises to reverse medical tourism, the figures indicate limited progress. In April 2025, he stated Nigeria loses about $2bn annually to medical tourism and emphasised the need to build health sovereignty. Former NMA President Prof Mike Ogirima expressed concern over the outflow of FX, describing medical tourism as a drain on the country’s foreign reserves.

Source: Punch February 25, 2026 06:09 UTC