Nigerians spent approximately $4.74 million on foreign medical treatments between May 2023 and March 2025, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Quarterly Statistical Bulletin.
The figure covers the first 22 months of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. It represents a 52 percent drop compared to the $9.83 million spent on medical tourism during the same period under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Analysts suggest that the decline in overseas medical spending may be linked to stricter foreign exchange controls, reduced access to foreign currency, and improved availability of local healthcare options.
Breakdown of Expenditure
From May to December 2023, Nigerians spent a total of $2.28 million on foreign healthcare services.
- May: $1.28m
- June: $0.31m
- July: $0.01m
- August: $0.26m
- September: $0.02m
- October: $0.10m
- November: $0.02m
- December: $0.28m
In 2024, total medical tourism expenses fell slightly to $2.40 million.
- January: $2.30m
- February: $0.00m
- March: $0.01m
- April: $0.00m
- May: $0.05m
- June: $0.02m
- July & August: $0.00m
- September: $0.01m
- October: $0.00m
- November: $0.01m
- December: $0.00m
Data for early 2025 show that medical spending abroad remained minimal, with $0.06 million recorded in January and no reported expenditure for February and March.
Comparison with Previous Administration
Between May 2015 and February 2017, during President Buhari’s first 22 months in office, Nigerians reportedly spent $9.83 million on healthcare abroad. Spending peaked at $3.20 million in September 2015 and ranged between $0.08 million and $0.96 million in subsequent months.
Ongoing Concerns
Despite the recent decline, experts remain concerned about the high rate of medical tourism. The Nigerian Academy of Medicine has estimated that Nigerians spend over $1 billion annually on foreign healthcare, warning that this persistent trend continues to deplete foreign reserves and discourage investment in local medical infrastructure.
