Nigerians spent $2.38m on foreign healthcare services from January to June 2024, highlighting the ongoing issue of medical tourism despite local investments.

Nigerians spent approximately $2.38 million on foreign healthcare services from January to June 2024, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The report, which outlines sectoral foreign exchange usage, reveals that spending on healthcare-related services saw a significant rise compared to the second half of 2023, which recorded $0.69 million in total.

Also read: Experts warn of Nigeria’s healthcare crisis and medical tourism drain

A closer look at the CBN’s data shows that $2.3 million was spent on foreign healthcare services in January alone. In February, no expenditure was recorded, followed by minimal spending in March ($0.01 million), April ($0.00 million), May ($0.05 million), and June ($0.02 million).

The total amount spent in the first six months of 2024 marks a $1.69 million increase compared to the second half of 2023, though it represents a decline of $0.75 million when compared to the $3.13 million spent during the same period in 2023.

This expenditure raises concerns about the persistence of medical tourism among Nigerians, despite efforts by the government to reverse this trend.

Government’s response to medical tourism

President Bola Tinubu, upon launching the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) healthcare expansion programme, emphasised the need to curb outbound medical tourism.

The programme aims to retrain 120,000 frontline health workers and improve healthcare facilities across the country.

The president stated that strengthening the domestic healthcare system would help reduce the reliance on foreign medical services.

Despite these efforts, the increasing costs reported by the CBN indicate that many Nigerians, particularly the elites, continue to seek medical care abroad.

Expert insight into rising medical tourism

Professor Tanimola Akande, a public health expert from the University of Ilorin and former National Chairman of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, expressed concern over the rising healthcare expenditure on foreign services.

He explained that the situation is reflective of the ongoing preference for medical tourism among Nigeria’s wealthy elites.

“Medical tourism is often perpetuated by elites,” Akande noted, adding that investments in high-class private healthcare facilities in Nigeria have not substantially reduced the outflow of funds for foreign medical services.

He further highlighted that the large sums spent on medical tourism could be better utilised to improve local healthcare infrastructure.

“If this money was channelled into developing local health facilities, it would significantly reduce the need for Nigerians to seek healthcare abroad,” Akande explained.

Addressing the challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare sector

Akande stressed that the Nigerian government must continue to encourage investments in the healthcare sector while also tackling the issue of brain drain, which has seen many skilled medical professionals leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.

“The government needs to provide a conducive environment for high-quality healthcare to thrive in Nigeria,” he urged.

By improving healthcare infrastructure and reducing the exodus of health professionals, Nigeria could offer more reliable services and ultimately reduce the reliance on foreign medical care.

In conclusion, the rising cost of medical tourism underscores the need for further reforms in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Addressing these challenges will require concerted efforts from both the government and private sector to ensure the country can retain its skilled workforce and provide world-class healthcare services at home.

The 2024 edition of the Business fair of the Federation of Business Women Entrepreneurs (FEBWE), an ECOWAS-founded regional organization, successfully concluded in Victoria Island, Lagos. Held between 25th and 27th September 2024, the three-day event highlighted the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs in West Africa and closed with a gala dinner.

The fair saw a significant turnout of influential women from across West Africa, especially from Nigeria. Key figures included H E Dame Pauline Tallen, former Minister for Women Affairs, Dr. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, President-General of the Association of Commodity Market Women & Men of Nigeria, and Madame Candide Leguede, Regional President of ECOWAS FEBWE.

Papers and presentations were delivered by prominent institutions, such as the International Trade Centre-Geneva, Wema Bank, and CBW Africa, focusing on business growth through innovative digital tools and grants.

Also read: West Africa’s art, culture shine at the maiden ‘Vodun Days’ festival

Her Excellency Dame Tallen opened the event by emphasizing the impact of empowering women on the African continent.

“When women are empowered, the family, society, and the nation are empowered,” she stated, urging the private sector to support FEBWE through funding and empowerment initiatives.

Dr. Anthony Luka Elumelu, representing ECOWAS Commission, discussed FEBWE’s role in promoting economic integration, peace, and governance in West Africa.

The Director Private Sector was also speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture Mrs. Massandjé TOURE-LITSE at the event.

He called for the prioritization of the ECOWAS protocol on the free movement of people, goods, and services to unlock the region’s vast potential, stating that seamless cross-border trade would boost regional growth.

Dr. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo (the IYALOJA GENERAL the President General of Commodity Market Women and Men of Nigeria, in Lagos) stressed that women in business require easier access to funds and government support, urging more initiatives like FEBWE to create awareness and networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs across ECOWAS Member States.

Over 35 exhibitors showcased products from various African countries, demonstrating the diversity and strength of the region’s female-led businesses.

The President of FEBWE Nigeria, Princess Omotola Omole, commended the ECOWAS-backed platform for fostering trade and empowering women entrepreneurs. She expressed hope that goods from the fair would soon circulate across West African countries, encouraging intra-regional trade.

Madame Candide Leguede, in a panel interview, discussed solutions to the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in cross-border trade.

She emphasized the need for business people to familiarize themselves with trading regulations to navigate border challenges effectively. “Both businessmen and women need to know their rights to ensure officials act professionally,” she stated.

FEBWE’s 2024 edition demonstrated the organization’s commitment to advancing the role of women in business throughout West Africa, with its sights set on fostering greater integration and cross-border trade opportunities.

Chop2Green Nigeria will plant 100 million trees, promoting food security and sustainable growth by combining food tourism with climate-smart initiatives.

As the world celebrates World Food Day 2024, Nigeria’s Chop2Green Nigeria Food Culture Initiative has made a significant announcement: the organisation has finalised plans to plant 100 million trees in support of the country’s contribution to the Great Green Wall.

This ambitious project aims to address critical challenges in food security, climate change, and ecosystem preservation across Nigeria.

Also read: Senator Ireti Kingibe champions Kilishi kulture food tourism festival for economic empowerment

Victor Wilkinson Agih, the lead managing partner of the Kilishi Kulture Initiative, praised Chop2Green’s innovative approach.

“By connecting food tourism with climate-smart opportunities to accelerate the green economy, we are enhancing our agricultural and tourism sectors while promoting the right to food for all,” he stated.

Agih emphasised that the initiative is a multi-dimensional impact investment that integrates the food heritage economy with efforts to establish resilient food systems. This, he says, will foster green-blue circular economic growth throughout Nigeria.

Agih also highlighted the Kilishi Kulture Initiative’s alignment with the global call for the right to food. He noted that the initiative promotes access to a diverse range of nutritious, affordable, and safe foods, spotlighting African heritage food commodities as a means to contribute to food security, nutrition, and economic empowerment.

The initiative’s flagship event, the Kilishi heritage food festivals, will be held across the continent. These festivals are designed to foster regional collaboration, encourage knowledge exchange, and showcase the nutritional and economic value of Africa’s heritage foods in the face of challenges such as climate shocks and conflicts.

Agih remarked, “Kilishi is more than just a cultural delicacy; it represents Africa’s shared history and symbolises the potential for sustainable food production and economic growth.”

In addition to promoting Kilishi and other heritage foods, the initiative aims to harness the potential of Africa’s culinary traditions to drive economic growth, support innovation within the food sector, and facilitate community development.