The health sector in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja is in total collapse under its minister, Nyesom Wike.
The situation in the nation’s capital public hospitals is in dire need of attention; unfortunately, Wike looks away despite the critical nature of the sector.
Two years down the line, it is still hard to pinpoint a finished health project in the FCT, while roads and other infrastructural development litter the seat of power.
Obviously, Wike seems to be uninterested while Abuja’s public hospital turns into a carcas.
The cliché “health is wealth” resonates most profoundly when illness strikes. Yet, for many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), this wealth feels increasingly out of reach. Indeed, public healthcare in the nation’s capital is on the brink of collapse, underscored by a staggering doctor-to-patient ratio and overstretched facilities struggling to meet the growing needs of the population.
A recent visit by Nigerian Newssphere to Wuse District Hospital in Zone 3, Abuja, paints a vivid picture of these challenges. The facility was filled to capacity, with crowded corridors and overflowing waiting areas. For many patients who cannot afford private care, the hospital represents a source of hope – yet that hope often feels elusive.
Despite arriving at the hospital before dawn, several patients expressed frustration at not being seen by a doctor. Omawunmi (not her real name) described her disappointment:
“I arrived here before 7:00 a.m. and met only a few people ahead of me,” she said. “But because of the ‘man-know-man’ culture, several others who came much later were able to see a doctor before I did. I find this deeply unfair.”
For others, the challenges go beyond long queues. Firdausi Bala, another patient, lamented the shortage of doctors and the delays between shifts:
“Sometimes it takes hours for those scheduled for the afternoon shift to take over from the morning team,” she explained. “Patients are left unattended, and it’s frustrating. The authorities need to investigate this.”
A System Under Strain
Public healthcare is meant to be a cornerstone of modern society — a safety net for those who cannot afford private alternatives. But in Abuja, that net is fraying.
The numbers are telling. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:600. Yet, across Nigeria, the reality is far worse: in many areas, there is just one doctor for over 2,000 patients. While the FCT performs slightly better with about 4,453 doctors serving roughly 3.5 million residents—a ratio of 1:786—this is still far below the global benchmark.
This shortage compounds delays, frustrates patients, and burdens healthcare workers, leaving the system stretched to its limits.
Health Insurance: A Missing Safety Net
Another troubling dimension of the crisis is the low subscription rate to Nigeria’s health insurance scheme. Despite government efforts, only about 5% of Nigerians are currently enrolled in any form of health insurance.
At Wuse Hospital, several patients complained about being excluded from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) because they are artisans, traders, or other informal-sector workers. One patient explained:
“The scheme is mostly for civil servants and people in formal jobs. We, the business people, are left on our own.”
This exclusion forces millions to pay for healthcare out-of-pocket, a burden that often leads to delayed treatment or financial hardship.
A Path Forward: Implementing the NHIA Act of 2022.
In May 2022, the government enacted the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, replacing the old NHIS law and introducing a mandatory health insurance scheme for all Nigerians and legal residents. The goal is ambitious: universal health coverage that extends beyond civil servants to include those in the informal sector — artisans, traders, and small business owners.
The law also empowers the NHIA to regulate and integrate existing schemes, manage the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), and ensure better access to affordable care for vulnerable groups.
However, laws on paper are not enough. Without aggressive implementation, public awareness campaigns, and proper funding, millions will remain excluded from its benefits.
The Time to Act Is Now
For the NHIA Act to deliver on its promise, policymakers must act decisively by:
Expanding access to affordable health insurance across both formal and informal sectors.
Launching nationwide awareness campaigns to encourage enrolment.
Investing in hospital infrastructure and increasing the number of trained healthcare professionals.
Enforcing transparency in managing the BHCPF and related funds to ensure resources reach those most in need.
Until these measures are prioritised, the average Nigerian, particularly those outside the formal workforce, will continue to face long queues, inadequate care, and crushing out-of-pocket expenses.
A healthier, more resilient nation begins with transforming the NHIA Act’s promise into reality. For Abuja’s residents and millions across the country, health must no longer be a luxury but a guaranteed right.
