Government Officials Prefer to Die Abroad While Nigeria’s Health System Collapses — NLC President Ajaero

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the federal and state governments for what it described as the deliberate neglect and decay of Nigeria’s health sector, accusing officials of preferring foreign hospitals while abandoning the nation’s healthcare system and its workers.

Speaking at the opening of the 51st Regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the government’s disregard for public healthcare and the welfare of medical professionals was “a national tragedy.”

“Our health sector continues to bleed. It is not an accident; it is the result of a system that prioritises profit over people, that sees healthcare as a commodity and health workers as disposable instruments,” Ajaero declared.

He lamented that frontline workers — including pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and hospital attendants — were overworked, underpaid, and disrespected despite being “the lifeblood of the nation’s well-being.”

“You face unimaginable trauma daily, only to be met with empty promises and blatant disregard for your welfare. Maybe, out of guilt, they prefer to die abroad!” he said.

Ajaero accused the government of breaching agreements and frustrating health workers through poor remuneration and broken promises, adding that such neglect had deepened the country’s healthcare crisis.

He stressed that health workers were the soul of Nigeria’s survival, warning that continued poor treatment would lead to burnout and brain drain.

“Withdrawal is not just a strike; it is the quiet despair that leads to burnout, to brain drain, to a slow death of the system. But commitment — the commitment you show by being here today — is the fuel of radical change,” he told the delegates.

The labour leader called for unity among all health sector unions to demand fair wages, better working conditions, and adequate funding for public hospitals.

“Our solutions must be as radical as the problems we face. We must unite and forge an unbreakable alliance across the entire health sector. Your strength is in your unity,” he said.

Ajaero urged the MHWUN to use the NEC meeting as a “situation room” for concrete action, not a mere discussion forum, insisting that the resolutions must lead to tangible reforms in the nation’s health system.

“Do not let them pacify you with tokens. Demand a fundamental restructuring of the health sector — demand living wages, safe working conditions, and adequate funding for public health. If not — Japa!”

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Ajaero also urged Nigerian workers to build a political movement that truly represents their interests.

“We must move beyond begging the bosses to becoming the architects of our own destiny,” he said.

The NLC President commended MHWUN’s leadership and past labour icons for their unwavering dedication to workers’ welfare.

“Your President and Deputy President of Congress, Comrade Ado Sani and Comrade Kiyawa, have continued to represent you well. The NLC stands shoulder to shoulder with you. Your fight is our fight. Together, we will heal the healers — and in doing so, we will begin to heal our nation,” he concluded.

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