Nigeria (NG)
Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation and its largest economy — a vibrant, dynamic, and entrepreneurial country of over 220 million people spanning 36 states and 250+ ethnic groups.
Healthcare in Nigeria
Nigeria has a mixed public/private healthcare system. Expats generally rely on private hospitals, HMO plans and international medical evacuation cover.
Private care in Lagos/Abuja can handle routine and some specialist needs; complex emergencies may require evacuation.
Public healthcare: National Health Insurance Authority
NHIA
- Primary care depending on scheme
- Basic hospital coverage
- Some maternity and chronic care depending on plan
- High-end private care
- Evacuation
- Many complex procedures
- Some medicines and diagnostics
Private healthcare: Private hospitals and HMOs
Accessing care
Private hospitals and clinics usually serve as first point of care.
Direct specialist access is often possible in private system.
Call 112 or 199 for emergency services; go directly to a private hospital emergency department and call ahead to confirm they can treat your condition.
Major private hospitals offer emergency service; quality varies.
Pharmacies are common, but use reputable hospital pharmacies for critical medicines.
Private dental clinics in major cities.
Private psychiatrists/therapists and NGOs exist; availability is limited outside major cities.
Good private options exist in Lagos/Abuja; high-risk pregnancy needs evacuation planning.
Expat-specific advice
- Choose hospital before arrival
- Buy evacuation insurance
- Save 112/199 and private hospital ER numbers
- Carry yellow fever and vaccination records
- Identify malaria/dengue care pathway
Pharmacies (Pharmacy / chemist)
- Paracetamol
- ORS
- Antihistamines
- Mosquito repellent
- Malaria tests (via doctor for treatment)
Typical costs
| GP visit (with insurance) | NGN 0–5,000 copay depending on HMO plan; employer schemes may have low-cost or no-cost GP access |
| GP visit (private pay) | NGN 20,000-80,000 |
| Specialist visit | NGN 40,000-200,000+ |
| Emergency visit | Deposit often required; NGN 100,000-1,000,000+ depending on severity |
| MRI scan | NGN 50,000-300,000+ depending on body part and facility |
| Prescription average | NGN 2,000-30,000 depending on medicine; hospital pharmacies recommended for quality |
| Dental check-up | NGN 30,000-150,000 |
| Baby delivery | NGN 500,000-5,000,000+ private hospital depending on complexity |
Healthcare
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