Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system is expected to come under increased strain following Canada’s announcement of a new immigration pathway targeted at foreign-trained medical doctors.
From early 2026, the Canadian government will introduce a special Express Entry category designed to help internationally trained doctors who are currently employed in Canada become permanent residents.
The decision was announced in a joint statement by Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Diab, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Maggie Chi.
Under the new plan, doctors with at least one year of recent professional experience in Canada will be prioritised for residency.
The Canadian government said the move is intended to address ongoing shortages in its healthcare workforce and support long-term stability of its medical services.
Implications for Nigeria
Nigeria continues to grapple with a severe deficit of healthcare professionals, especially in northern regions where insecurity has made retention extremely difficult. Some states are reported to have a ratio of one doctor to tens of thousands of patients.
Recent government data shows that states such as Yobe, Jigawa, Kebbi and Zamfara average about half a doctor for every 10,000 people—amounting to roughly one doctor serving 20,000 residents.
None of Nigeria’s 36 states currently meets the World Health Organisation’s recommended minimum of 2.5 doctors per 1,000 people.
Southern states fare slightly better, but experts warn that the migration of medical workers—known locally as “japa syndrome”—is pushing the country toward a more dangerous shortage.
Canada Tightens Broader Immigration Rules
While creating this new category for medical practitioners, Canadian authorities also signalled plans to make other immigration routes more competitive starting next year. Analysts say this combination of tighter general policies and targeted recruitment suggests Canada aims to secure high-value healthcare professionals as a priority.
Nigeria at a Critical Moment
With violence, weak health funding, and poor working conditions continuing to drive professionals away, stakeholders warn the new Canadian policy may accelerate an already rapid medical exodus.
If not urgently addressed, the gap in Nigeria’s doctor-to-patient ratio could widen further, worsening access to medical care in already underserved communities.
