Certified psychiatrists
Evidence for workforce action
Retain Psychiatrists;
Strengthen Mental Health Care.
Nigeria already has too few psychiatrists. Nationwide research shows that many early-career psychiatrists are considering migration. Evidence-informed reforms can help strengthen retention and protect access to mental health care.
“228 early-career Psychiatrists were surveyed across all Six Geopolitical zones of Nigeria.”
“Data collected: December 2022 - November 2023.”
“Data collected: December 2022 - November 2023.”
228
study respondents
6
geopolitical zones
Project Partners and Funder
National workforce context
Nigeria already has too few psychiatrists
The published study reported that Nigeria had approximately 250 certified psychiatrists serving a population of over 200 million. Further losses would place additional pressure on services, training and continuity of care.
Source: Essien EA et al., 2024. DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2024.25. Read the published study
population
Approximate psychiatrist-to-population ratio based on the stated national figures.
of people with mental health conditions are reported to be undiagnosed or untreated.
Key study findings
What did the nationwide study find?
Migration intention was common, and more than half of respondents reported taking practical steps towards migration.
Had ever considered leaving Nigeria
Were considering leaving Nigeria “now”
Had taken practical steps towards migration
Expected to be working outside Nigeria within five years
These findings describe migration intentions, expectations and reported actions at the time of the survey. They do not mean that all respondents had already left or would definitely leave Nigeria.
Reported drivers
Why do early-career psychiatrists consider leaving?
Financial and academic reasons ranked highest, followed by work-related and personal factors.
Priorities identified by respondents
What did respondents say needs to improve?
“Respondents identified the following areas of local psychiatry as needing improvement.”
Finances
Work conditions
Academics
Professional networking
Proposed project reform package
From evidence to action
Six areas for action
This proposed project retention package is informed by the published study findings. It is not presented as an existing government policy.
Remuneration
Fair and competitive remuneration.
Working conditions
Safe, supportive and adequately resourced workplaces.
Academic opportunities
Improved training and continuing professional development.
Welfare and social security
Better welfare, work-life balance and social protection.
Mentorship and career development
Structured mentorship and clearer career pathways.
Professional networking
Stronger collaboration, peer support and professional networks.
Health-system impact
Why psychiatrist retention matters for the mental health system
Psychiatrist migration is not simply an individual employment issue. It is a workforce and health-system challenge that requires constructive reforms.
Potential benefits of improved psychiatrist retention include:
Better retention
Stronger training and mentorship
More stable mental health services
Improved access and continuity of care
A shared responsibility
Retain Psychiatrists; Strengthen Mental Health Care. Protect Nigeria’s Future.
Policymakers, employers, training institutions and professional bodies can act to improve remuneration, working conditions, training, welfare, mentorship and professional networking.