Nigeria Healthcare System Guide
How the healthcare system works in Nigeria — emergency numbers, GP access, vaccines, insurance and medical costs for visitors and expats.
Healthcare system overview
Nigeria's public healthcare is severely underfunded with limited infrastructure outside major cities. Private hospitals in Lagos and Abuja offer reasonable care. Medical tourism abroad is common for serious conditions.
System type: Mixed public-private — underfunded public sector
Emergency numbers & response
Dial: 112 or 199
Typical response time: 30-60+ minutes in cities, unreliable in rural areas
Costs: ₦10,000-100,000+ at private hospitals
Emergency response infrastructure is limited. Private hospitals may require deposit before treatment.
Seeing a doctor as a visitor
Walk into private clinics. No registration needed.
Typical wait: Private: under 1 hour. Public: several hours.
Typical cost: ₦5,000-20,000 ($6-25) at private clinics
Good in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt. Very limited in rural areas.
Vaccines for travel
Recommended: Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, Polio, Flu), COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid (strongly recommended), Meningococcal, Rabies (pre-exposure), Malaria prophylaxis (essential — malaria endemic nationwide), Cholera (for high-risk travellers)
Yellow fever vaccine REQUIRED for entry. Malaria is endemic throughout Nigeria — prophylaxis essential. Meningitis belt risk in northern regions. Lassa fever present.
Insurance & visa health requirements
Insurance required for visa: no
Public coverage for visitors: no
Visa on arrival available for some nationalities. Most require pre-approved visa. Yellow fever vaccination proof required at entry.
Documents to prepare:
- Travel insurance proof
- Passport
- Yellow fever certificate
Typical medical costs
Private GP visit: ₦5,000-20,000 ($6-25)
Emergency care without insurance: ₦50,000-500,000+ ($60-600+) at private facilities
Medication: Medications affordable but counterfeit drugs are a serious risk. Buy from reputable pharmacies only.
Pharmacies & medication
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-8pm. Some 24-hour pharmacies in Lagos and Abuja. Chains include HealthPlus and MedPlus.
Over the counter: Wide OTC availability including antibiotics and antimalarials. Quality and authenticity vary — counterfeit medications are a significant problem.
Controlled substances: NDLEA strictly controls narcotics and psychotropics. Carry doctor's letter and original packaging. Tramadol and codeine are particularly scrutinised.
Things that catch visitors out in Nigeria
- Private hospitals may refuse to treat you without a cash deposit — even in emergencies. Carry cash or insurance card
- Counterfeit medications are widespread and potentially lethal — only use reputable pharmacies (HealthPlus, MedPlus)
- Public hospitals are severely under-resourced — equipment shortages, unreliable power, limited supplies
- Power outages affect hospitals — only private facilities reliably have generators
- Emergency response is unreliable — private ambulance services barely exist outside Lagos/Abuja
Practical tips for travellers
- Use private hospitals in Lagos/Abuja — Reddington, Lagoon, EKO
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential
- Yellow fever vaccination required for entry
- Carry antimalarial medication — malaria is endemic
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