Nigerian commentator Atiku Isah has criticised the country’s political leadership over the continued reliance on foreign medical facilities, questioning why successive governments have failed to develop hospitals capable of providing quality healthcare within Nigeria.
Speaking on the state of the country’s healthcare system, Isah argued that Nigeria should not remain dependent on other countries for medical treatment, particularly when many of those seeking treatment abroad include political leaders and prominent Nigerians.
He also referenced former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London in 2025 and whose remains were subsequently returned to Nigeria for burial.
“Nigeria is not a burial ground,” Isah said, while expressing concern over what he described as the failure of Nigerian leaders to build world-class medical facilities in the country despite having access to public resources.
He questioned why leaders who spend years in public office could leave office without establishing standard healthcare institutions that could serve Nigerians, including themselves and their families.
According to him, the continued movement of political elites abroad for healthcare reflects deeper problems within Nigeria’s health sector and raises questions about the priorities of successive administrations.
Isah’s comments have further renewed debate over Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, medical tourism and the need for greater investment in hospitals, specialist services, medical equipment and healthcare personnel.
The issue of Nigerians travelling abroad for medical treatment has remained a longstanding concern, with calls for governments to improve domestic healthcare facilities and reduce the country’s dependence on foreign medical services.
