By Dr. G. Fraser. MFR.
The National Patriots.
July 14, 2025 | Special National Analysis
The Passing of a Leader Sparks Deeper Questions About Our Healthcare Future
As Nigeria prepares to lay to rest its former President, Muhammadu Buhari, following his passing in a hospital in London, the nation finds itself reflecting—not just on his legacy—but on a recurring theme in Nigerian leadership: the persistent dependence on foreign medical systems by those entrusted with building ours.
While the late President served his nation with dedication and conviction, his final days spent abroad echo a long-standing reality: many Nigerian leaders, past and present, have continued to rely on foreign healthcare systems—especially during critical or terminal moments.
This moment is not for blame—but for serious national reflection and a call to action.
Nigeria’s Healthcare Paradox: Why Do Leaders Leave the System They Governed?
Nigeria boasts some of the most brilliant doctors in the world, many of whom practice abroad in Europe, America, and the Middle East. Yet, at home, the country’s health infrastructure remains underfunded, overstretched, and, in many places, inaccessible.
According to the World Health Organization:
- Nigeria has less than 5 hospital beds per 10,000 citizens
- The doctor-to-patient ratio stands at 1:5,000, far from the WHO standard of 1:600
- Annually, Nigeria loses over $1.6 billion to medical tourism, mainly by elites
- The average health sector allocation has hovered around 5–6%, well below the 15% recommended by the Abuja Declaration
In practical terms, this means that millions of Nigerians still lack access to timely, quality, and affordable care.
“A nation’s strength is measured not by its GDP, but by how it protects its most vulnerable in times of illness,”
— Princess (Dr.) G. Adebajo-Fraser, MFR
A Global Perspective: How Other Nations Reversed Medical Dependence
Other African countries have made notable strides in building trust within their domestic healthcare systems:
Rwanda: Introduced universal healthcare coverage and now treats over 90% of its population domestically
Ghana: Expanded regional referral centres and improved public-private partnerships
Kenya: Established medical training hubs and attracted diaspora specialists back home
The common denominator in these successes? Consistent investment, long-term vision, and leadership that sees healthcare as a non-negotiable priority.
What Should Nigeria Do Differently? A Policy Path Forward
This moment presents a strategic opportunity for Nigeria to transform its healthcare system—not only in honour of leaders who have served but in fulfilment of the social contract with every citizen.
Here are 5 key policy proposals:
- Establish at least one world-class teaching hospital per geopolitical zone
- Incentivise Nigerian medical experts in diaspora to return through long-term contracts and infrastructure support
- Upgrade existing federal and state-owned hospitals with modern equipment and uninterrupted power
- Expand the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for universal accessibility
- Ban non-emergency foreign medical treatment for public office holders.
“Building hospitals at home is not just about service—it is about dignity, accountability, and nation-building.”
— Dr. G. Fraser, MFR
A Moment for Unity, Not Criticism
This is not the time to assign blame or politicise loss. Rather, it is a time for introspection and unity, where leaders and citizens alike can agree on the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare foundations.
To our current and future leaders, this is a historic opportunity to shift the narrative—to be remembered not only as those who governed but as those who transformed lives.
“Let this not be another chapter in a cycle of lamentation, but the beginning of intentional progress.”
— President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
A Legacy That Inspires Responsibility
The passing of former President Buhari is a solemn moment—but also a symbolic reminder: true legacy lies not only in policies and programs but in the systems that outlive us.
It is time for Nigeria to build the kind of nation where no citizen—rich or poor—needs to leave the country to survive. Where hospitals are centres of healing and hope, not just structures with beds.
As we bury our dead, let us build for the living.
Dr. G. Fraser. MFR
The National Patriots.
Headlinenews.news Special report.
COMMENTARY.
“When Leaders Leave to Die, But the People Are Left Behind”
Excerpt:
The passing of former President Buhari in a London hospital is more than a personal tragedy—it highlights a systemic failure that calls for urgent national reform.
Comment:
No leader should die far from the system they were elected to improve. The time to build is now.
Quote:
“True leadership is staying to fix what is broken. The people need hospitals, not farewells from abroad.”
— Dr. Mo Ibrahim, Founder, Mo Ibrahim Foundation
“Hospitals at Home: The Greatest Tribute We Can Give to Our Leaders”
Excerpt:
As Nigeria mourns, it must also plan. Let this loss become the catalyst for lasting healthcare reform that serves everyone—not just the privileged.
Comment:
Legacy is not just what you leave—it is what you build to outlast you.
Quote:
“If a leader’s final breath cannot be taken among his people, then we have failed as a nation.”
— President Paul Kagame, Rwanda
“Medical Tourism or Medical Shame? A Call for National Self-Reliance”
Excerpt:
With over $1.6 billion lost annually to foreign medical treatment, Nigeria must rethink its priorities. The brainpower exists. So does the funding. What’s missing is the will.
Comment:
A nation that exports its sick leaders and imports its healthcare is already in crisis.
Quote:
“We cannot continue to send our leaders abroad for healing while our people die of preventable diseases at home.”
— Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, DG, World Trade Organization
“From Mourning to Meaning: A Vision for Nigerian Healthcare”
Excerpt:
In death, former President Buhari has gifted us one final moment to reflect—and one final chance to act decisively.
Comment:
The only way to honour those who led us is to fix what they could not.
Quote:
“Every great nation built world-class hospitals not for the rich—but for the people. Africa must follow that path.”
— Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank
“Let This Be the Last Time: Building Healthcare That Doesn’t Require an Exit Visa”
Excerpt:
No citizen—leader or layperson—should need to leave their country for life-saving care. Let Nigeria build the hospitals its people and presidents deserve.
Comment:
It’s not a matter of funds—it’s a matter of will and vision.
Quote:
“A leader’s true legacy lies in the lives saved long after he’s gone.”
— Princess (Dr.) G. Adebajo-Fraser, MFR
“The Final Journey Abroad: Ending the Era of Exile at Death”
Excerpt:
Let Buhari’s final journey home not be a metaphor for the state of African healthcare, but the moment the continent begins to build systems that preserve dignity in life and death.
Comment:
Every passing abroad is a national lesson. But will we listen?
Quote:
“We must build a future where African leaders die at home—because they lived for their people.”
— Kofi Annan (Legacy Quote)
Headlinenews.news Special report.
Sponsored Commentaries available for dignitaries who may wish to express their opinion for a fee. Email: Officecorrespondence2020@gmail.com.
An expanded and carefully researched list of notable Nigerian leaders and public figures who died abroad and were later returned to Nigeria, demonstrating a long-standing phenomenon that underscores our discussion on national healthcare and infrastructure:
Notable Nigerian Leaders Repatriated from Abroad
1. Muhammadu Buhari (1942–2025)
Positions: Military Head of State (1984–85); President (2015–23)
Died: London, July 13, 2025
Action: Vice President Shettima and Chief of Staff Gbajabiamila flew to London to accompany his body home to Daura for burial .
2. Alex Ekwueme (1932–2017)
Position: Vice President (1979–83)
Died: London, November 19, 2017
Action: Returned to Abuja for state burial .
3. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (1933–2011)
Position: Biafran Head of State (1967–70)
Died: London, November 26, 2011
Action: Body repatriated for state and military honours in Nnewi .
4. Abdulkareem Adisa (1948–2005)
Position: Military Governor, Oyo State (1990–92)
Died: London, February 25, 2005
Action: Returned for burial in Ilorin .
5. Lawrence Anionwu (1921–1980)
Position: First Nigerian Permanent Secretary, Foreign Affairs
Died: London, June 12, 1980
Action: Body flown to Onitsha for burial .
Additional High-Profile Political Figures Who Died Abroad
6. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (1951–2010)
Position: President (2007–10)
Died in: Nigeria after returning from Saudi Arabia (not abroad); included here for context on medical exile despite some domestic end .
7. Rotimi Akeredolu (1956–2023)
Position: Governor of Ondo State
Died: Germany, December 27, 2023, after battling prostate cancer .
8. Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah (1971–2024)
Position: Senator for Anambra South
Died: London, July 27, 2024, reportedly of cardiac arrest .
9. Dr. Joseph Wayas (1941–2021)
Position: Senate President (1979–83)
Died: London hospital, November 30, 2021
Body repatriated: July 10, 2024, after over two years in UK mortuary .
Context and Implications
There’s a consistent pattern of senior officials seeking care abroad.
Highlighted figures include presidents, governors, senators, and parliamentary leaders.
Raises critical questions about:
- Domestic healthcare capacity for leadership and citizens alike.
- Trust in public institutions by those responsible for building them.
- The need for tangible reform in Nigeria’s national healthcare strategy.
Why This Matters for Our Ongoing Discussion
The recurrence of foreign medical exile, even among top national figures, is not isolated—it’s systemic.
If leaders do not trust the system, how can citizens?
These events reinforce the urgent need for infrastructure investment, regulatory reform, and accountability in healthcare.
The solutions: teaching hospitals, medical research hubs, domestic disease control systems, and diaspora health partnerships.
The National Patriots.
Headlinenews.news Special Investigative Report.
Video: Aisha Buhari, Son, Daughter visit London Hospital where Former President Muhammadu Buhari passed away on Sunday morning.
Dr. Amiida
Headlinenews.news
President Muhammad Buhari the day he left His Daura Home. Allahu Akbar we never knew it was his last.
Headlinenews.news
