Nigeria Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
Nigeria's physicians was 0.40 in 2025, ranked 95th globally. This represents a 4.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Nigeria's physicians stood at 0.40 in 2025, a rise of +0.02 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.40 by 2025. Nigeria ranked 95th globally.
Nigeria's physician-to-population ratio has exhibited a moderate increase over the past 26 years, with a notable peak in 2016 at 0.43 physicians per 1,000 people. This upward trend suggests a growing emphasis on healthcare infrastructure within the country. However, Nigeria's current ratio of 0.40 physicians per 1,000 people, as of 2025, lags behind several of its regional peers, such as Gabon, which boasts a ratio of 0.45. The country's physician-to-population ratio has also oscillated around the global average, ranking 95th globally as of 2025. Notably, Nigeria's ratio has not reverted to its historical low of 0.02 physicians per 1,000 people in 1960, indicating some progress in addressing healthcare shortages. Nevertheless, the trajectory of Nigeria's physician-to-population ratio remains uncertain, and future investments in medical education and healthcare infrastructure will be crucial in sustaining momentum and potentially surpassing the ratios of regional peers, thereby enhancing the country's healthcare outcomes.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.40 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.40 | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.40 | +0.02 | #95 |
| 2023 | 0.38 | −0.01 | #41 |
| 2022 | 0.39 | +0.00 | #87 |
| 2021 | 0.39 | +0.03 | #98 |
| 2019 | 0.36 | −0.01 | #110 |
| 2018 | 0.36 | −0.06 | #117 |
| 2016 | 0.43 | +0.07 | #103 |
| 2013 | 0.36 | +0.00 | #95 |
| 2009 | 0.36 | +0.00 | #97 |
| 2008 | 0.36 | −0.00 | #100 |
| 2007 | 0.36 | +0.03 | #94 |
| 2006 | 0.33 | +0.06 | #88 |
| 2005 | 0.27 | +0.02 | #90 |
| 2003 | 0.26 | −0.01 | #87 |
| 2000 | 0.27 | +0.08 | #95 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nigeria matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw physicians improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Nigeria's physicians was 0.40 in 2025. Ranked 95th globally. This represents a 4.6% increase from the previous year.
Nigeria's physicians peaked at 0.43 in 2016.
The lowest physicians in Nigeria was 0.02 in 1960.
Nigeria ranks 95th globally in physicians as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Nigeria's physicians is projected to reach 0.40 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The physicians of Nigeria in 2025 was 0.40. This ranks 95th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nigeria_physicians,
title = {Nigeria Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nigeria/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}