Nigerians Spent Over $3.6bn Yearly on Foreign Healthcare Under Buhari – CBN Data

Nigerians spent at least $29.29 billion on medical treatment abroad during the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, translating to about $3.66 billion per year, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The data, analyzed from the CBN’s quarterly statistical bulletins, falls under the “Health-Related and Social Services” category and covers the period from June 2015 to May 2023, which aligns precisely with Buhari’s two terms in office.

Despite Buhari’s repeated promises to overhaul Nigeria’s health sector and reduce medical tourism, foreign healthcare spending remained consistently high throughout his presidency — with notable spikes even during economic downturns and forex shortages.

Spending Breakdown:

2015–2016: Nigeria spent $7.81 billion, the highest in any year.

In September 2015 alone, a record $3.2 billion was spent — the single largest monthly outflow over the entire eight-year period.

This unusual surge came within Buhari’s first months in office and was followed by similarly high figures in October, November, and December 2015.

2016–2017: Spending dropped to $2.76 billion, though large payments were still made, such as $960 million in March and $670 million in April 2016.

2017–2018: Further declined to $1.72 billion.

2018–2019: Spending dropped sharply to $440 million, the lowest annual figure during Buhari’s tenure.

The early years of Buhari’s administration saw the highest capital flight for medical treatment, raising concerns about a persistent culture of elites seeking health care abroad, despite his promises to prioritize local hospital upgrades.