Nigerian commentator Atiku Isah has criticised the country’s political leaders over their reliance on foreign medical facilities, arguing that those who have held power for years should have helped build hospitals capable of serving Nigerians.
Speaking on the issue, Isah questioned why prominent Nigerians, including political leaders, continue to seek medical treatment abroad instead of relying on healthcare facilities in the country.
“Nigeria is not a burial ground. Our leaders are w!ck£d even in de@th. Former President Buhari d!ed abroad; they had to transport his c∅rpse back to Nigeria, alongside several other prominent Nigerians who d!ed abroad,” he said.
He further questioned how political leaders could spend years in positions of authority without establishing standard healthcare facilities in Nigeria, even for their personal use.
“How can you lead for years and not even build a standard hospital, even if it is for your family alone in the country? Instead, you people keep travelling abroad for healthcare,” Isah added.
His comments have reignited the long-running debate over Nigeria’s healthcare system and the tendency of wealthy Nigerians and political leaders to seek treatment outside the country.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari died in London on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82, and his remains were subsequently flown back to Nigeria for burial. His death also renewed discussions about medical tourism and the condition of Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
Nigeria continues to face significant challenges in healthcare financing and access. At a 2026 roundtable on healthcare financing in Africa, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo argued that government funding alone could not meet the continent’s growing healthcare needs and called for new financing models.
Isah’s remarks therefore focus attention on a recurring contradiction: Nigerians are repeatedly urged to have confidence in domestic institutions, while many citizens with the financial means continue to seek specialised healthcare abroad.
His criticism comes amid broader calls for stronger investment in hospitals, medical equipment, healthcare workers and specialist services that can reduce the need for Nigerians to travel overseas for treatment.
