Japa: Over 16,000 Nigerian Nurses Now Practising in UK

Japa: Over 16,000 Nigerian Nurses Now Practising in UK

Latest figures have shown that more than 16,156 Nigerian nurses are currently licensed and practising in the United Kingdom, underscoring the growing “japa” trend and its deepening impact on Nigeria’s healthcare system.

The data, obtained from UK nursing regulatory records, places Nigeria among the top source countries for foreign-trained nurses in the UK, reflecting sustained migration driven by better pay, working conditions and career opportunities abroad.

Health experts have warned that the continued exodus is worsening staff shortages in Nigeria’s public hospitals, increasing patient workloads and stretching an already fragile health sector. They note that while overseas opportunities benefit individual professionals, the loss of experienced nurses poses long-term risks to healthcare delivery at home.

Stakeholders have repeatedly called on the Federal Government to improve welfare packages, working environments and career progression for healthcare workers to curb the trend.

The japa phenomenon has intensified in recent years, with nurses, doctors and other skilled professionals seeking opportunities mainly in the UK, Canada, the United States and parts of Europe.