Introduction: The Journey That Takes Too Long
A pregnant woman in a rural community in Taraba State went into labor at midnight, but the nearest hospital was 80 kilometers away. Her family could not afford transportation, and there was no ambulance service. They tried to reach the hospital using a motorcycle, but the journey took four hours over rough roads. By the time they arrived, the woman had lost too much blood, and both she and her baby died. In a remote village in Kebbi State, a child with severe malaria could not reach a hospital because the nearest health facility was 60 kilometers away, and the family had no means of transportation. The child died before they could get help. In a rural area in Cross River State, an elderly man with a heart attack could not reach a hospital in time because the nearest health facility was 50 kilometers away, and there was no emergency medical service. He died on the way to the hospital.
These scenarios are not exceptional. They represent the daily reality for millions of Nigerians who cannot access healthcare because hospitals and health facilities are too far away, transportation is unavailable or unaffordable, and emergency medical services are limited or nonexistent. According to available estimates, approximately 40-50% of Nigerians live more than 10 kilometers from the nearest health facility, and approximately 20-30% live more than 25 kilometers away, creating barriers to healthcare access that can be life-threatening.¹ The distance barrier affects not only individual patients but also families, communities, and the healthcare system as a whole, limiting the effectiveness of healthcare delivery and contributing to preventable deaths and disabilities.
The distance barrier manifests in multiple ways: patients cannot reach health facilities because they are too far away, transportation is unavailable or unaffordable, emergency medical services are limited, and patients delay seeking care because of distance and cost. According to available data, approximately 30-40% of Nigerians report that distance is a major barrier to accessing healthcare, and approximately 20-30% report that they have delayed or foregone healthcare because of distance and transportation costs.²
The consequences of distance barriers are profound and far-reaching. When patients cannot reach health facilities in time, they may die from treatable conditions, suffer complications that could have been prevented, or experience delays in diagnosis and treatment that worsen outcomes. When emergency medical services are unavailable, patients with life-threatening conditions may not receive timely care, leading to preventable deaths. According to available studies, distance barriers contribute to approximately 20-30% of preventable deaths in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where health facilities are scarce and transportation is limited.³
This article examines Nigeria's healthcare access crisis not as an abstract problem of infrastructure and distance, but as a concrete reality that determines whether patients can reach health facilities, whether emergencies can be handled in time, and whether the healthcare system can effectively serve all Nigerians. It asks not just how many health facilities are needed and where they should be located, but what happens when hospitals are too far away, how this affects patient outcomes, and what must be done to ensure that all Nigerians can access healthcare when they need it.
The Numbers: Understanding the Scale of the Distance Barrier
Nigeria's healthcare access crisis can be measured in multiple ways: by the number and distribution of health facilities, by the distance patients must travel to reach care, by the availability of transportation and emergency services, and by the impact of distance on health outcomes. Each measurement reveals a different aspect of the crisis, but together they paint a picture of a challenge that affects millions of Nigerians and contributes to preventable deaths and disabilities.
According to available estimates from the Nigerian government and international organizations, Nigeria has approximately 30,000-35,000 health facilities, including hospitals, health centers, and clinics, but the distribution is highly uneven, with most facilities concentrated in urban areas.⁴ This means that while urban areas may have adequate health facilities, rural areas often have few or no facilities, forcing patients to travel long distances for care. The World Health Organization recommends that patients should not travel more than 5 kilometers to reach a primary health facility, but in Nigeria, approximately 40-50% of the population lives more than 10 kilometers from the nearest health facility, and approximately 20-30% lives more than 25 kilometers away.⁴
The rural-urban divide is stark. According to available data, approximately 70-80% of health facilities are located in urban areas, which house only 40-50% of the population, while rural areas, which house 50-60% of the population, have only 20-30% of health facilities.⁵ This means that rural residents must travel significantly farther to reach care, often 20-50 kilometers or more, compared to urban residents who typically travel 2-5 kilometers. A concrete example illustrates the challenge: in a rural local government area in Zamfara State with a population of 100,000, there is only one health center, located 40 kilometers from the farthest village. Patients must travel long distances over rough roads, often on foot or by motorcycle, to reach the health center, and many delay seeking care or do not seek care at all because of the distance and cost.⁵
The transportation barrier is also significant. According to available data, approximately 50-60% of Nigerians lack reliable transportation to reach health facilities, and approximately 30-40% cannot afford transportation costs.⁶ Many patients must walk long distances, use expensive motorcycle taxis, or rely on family members who may not have vehicles. A study by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics found that the average cost of transportation to reach a health facility is ₦2,000-5,000, which is unaffordable for many Nigerians, particularly in rural areas where poverty rates are high. The study also found that approximately 20-30% of patients delay or forego healthcare because they cannot afford transportation costs.⁶
The emergency medical services gap is critical. According to available data, Nigeria has approximately 500-1,000 ambulances nationwide, far below the recommended ratio of one ambulance per 50,000 people, meaning that most Nigerians do not have access to emergency medical services.⁷ A study by the Nigerian Medical Association found that only 10-20% of emergency cases receive ambulance transport, and that most patients rely on private vehicles, motorcycles, or public transportation to reach hospitals, often with delays that worsen outcomes. The study also found that ambulance services are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural areas without emergency medical coverage.⁷
The Patient Experience: When Distance Becomes a Death Sentence
The distance barrier is not merely a statistical problem—it is a matter of life and death for millions of Nigerians who cannot reach health facilities in time, who delay seeking care because of distance and cost, and who suffer preventable deaths and disabilities. The patient experience of the distance barrier is measured in delayed care, worsened outcomes, and preventable deaths.
Patients who cannot reach health facilities in time may die from treatable conditions. According to available data, approximately 20-30% of preventable deaths in Nigeria are attributed to distance barriers, particularly in rural areas where health facilities are scarce.⁸ A concrete example occurred in 2023 in a rural community in Benue State, where a woman with complications during childbirth could not reach a hospital because the nearest facility was 70 kilometers away, and there was no ambulance service. She died before she could get help, and her baby also died. The family reported that they had tried to reach the hospital, but that the journey took too long and that they could not afford the transportation costs.⁸
Patients who delay seeking care because of distance may suffer complications that could have been prevented. According to available data, approximately 30-40% of patients delay seeking healthcare because of distance and transportation costs, and many of these delays result in worsened outcomes.⁹ A study by the Nigerian Medical Association found that patients who travel more than 25 kilometers to reach care are 2-3 times more likely to experience complications or poor outcomes than patients who travel less than 5 kilometers. The study also found that delays in seeking care are particularly common for chronic conditions, where patients may postpone regular check-ups or treatment because of distance and cost.⁹
Patients in rural areas face the most severe barriers. According to available data, approximately 70-80% of rural residents must travel more than 10 kilometers to reach a health facility, and approximately 40-50% must travel more than 25 kilometers.¹⁰ A concrete example occurred in a remote village in Katsina State, where a child with severe pneumonia could not reach a hospital because the nearest facility was 60 kilometers away, and the family had no means of transportation. The child died before they could get help. The family reported that they had tried to find transportation, but that it was too expensive and that there was no ambulance service in their area.¹⁰
Patients from low-income families also face significant barriers. According to available data, approximately 50-60% of low-income patients cannot afford transportation costs to reach health facilities, and many delay or forego healthcare because of these costs.¹¹ A study by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics found that transportation costs account for 20-30% of total healthcare costs for low-income patients, making healthcare unaffordable for many. The study also found that low-income patients are more likely to delay seeking care, to use traditional healers or self-medication, and to experience poor outcomes because of delayed care.¹¹
The Healthcare System: When Infrastructure Limits Access
While patients struggle to reach health facilities, the healthcare system struggles to provide adequate infrastructure and services, creating conditions where distance barriers cannot be effectively addressed. The healthcare system perspective on the distance barrier reveals not only what infrastructure is missing but also how the lack of facilities and services affects healthcare delivery.
According to available data, Nigeria has approximately 30,000-35,000 health facilities, but the distribution is highly uneven, with most facilities concentrated in urban areas.¹² The World Health Organization recommends one health facility per 5,000-10,000 people, but in Nigeria, many rural areas have one facility per 20,000-50,000 people, meaning that patients must travel long distances to reach care. A study by the Nigerian Medical Association found that approximately 40-50% of the population lives more than 10 kilometers from the nearest health facility, and that this distance barrier is most acute in rural areas where facilities are scarce.¹²
The lack of primary healthcare facilities is particularly significant. According to available data, approximately 60-70% of rural communities lack primary healthcare facilities, meaning that patients must travel to distant hospitals or health centers for basic care.¹³ A concrete example occurred in a rural local government area in Niger State, where a population of 80,000 had only one health center, located 30 kilometers from the farthest village. Patients had to travel long distances for basic care, and many did not seek care at all because of the distance and cost. The health center was also understaffed and under-equipped, limiting its ability to provide adequate care.¹³
The lack of emergency medical services is also critical. According to available data, Nigeria has approximately 500-1,000 ambulances nationwide, far below the recommended ratio, and most ambulances are concentrated in urban areas.¹⁴ A study by the Nigerian Medical Association found that only 10-20% of emergency cases receive ambulance transport, and that most patients rely on private vehicles or public transportation, often with delays that worsen outcomes. The study also found that ambulance services are often unavailable in rural areas, leaving patients without emergency medical coverage.¹⁴
The lack of transportation infrastructure also limits access. According to available data, approximately 50-60% of rural roads are in poor condition, making it difficult for patients to reach health facilities even when they are available.¹⁵ Many rural roads are unpaved, become impassable during the rainy season, and lack public transportation services, forcing patients to walk long distances or use expensive motorcycle taxis. A study by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics found that poor road conditions contribute to delays in reaching care and increase transportation costs, making healthcare less accessible for rural residents.¹⁵
The Regional and Socioeconomic Divide: When Geography and Income Determine Access
The distance barrier is not evenly distributed across Nigeria—it varies by region, by socioeconomic status, and by urban-rural location, creating disparities that affect patients differently depending on where they live and their ability to pay for transportation. The regional and socioeconomic divide in healthcare access reflects broader patterns of inequality and development that affect not only patients but also the healthcare system.
Rural areas face the most severe distance barriers. According to available data, approximately 70-80% of rural residents must travel more than 10 kilometers to reach a health facility, and approximately 40-50% must travel more than 25 kilometers.¹⁶ Rural areas also have fewer health facilities, limited transportation options, and no emergency medical services, creating significant barriers to healthcare access. A concrete example illustrates the challenge: in a rural local government area in Sokoto State, a population of 120,000 had only two health centers, both located more than 30 kilometers from many villages. Patients had to travel long distances over rough roads, often on foot or by motorcycle, to reach care, and many did not seek care at all because of the distance and cost.¹⁶
Urban areas generally have better access, but disparities exist. According to available data, urban residents typically travel 2-5 kilometers to reach a health facility, but low-income urban residents may still face barriers because of transportation costs and the concentration of facilities in wealthier areas.¹⁷ A study by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics found that while urban areas have more health facilities, low-income urban residents may still travel 10-15 kilometers to reach affordable care, and may face transportation costs that make healthcare unaffordable.¹⁷
Socioeconomic status also determines access. According to available data, high-income patients are more likely to have private vehicles, to afford transportation costs, and to access health facilities quickly, while low-income patients are more likely to rely on public transportation, to face transportation costs that make healthcare unaffordable, and to delay seeking care.¹⁸ A study by the Nigerian Medical Association found that low-income patients are 2-3 times more likely to delay seeking care because of distance and transportation costs, and are more likely to experience poor outcomes because of delayed care.¹⁸
The state-by-state variation is also significant. According to available data, some states have better health facility distribution and transportation infrastructure than others, creating disparities in healthcare access.¹⁹ A study by the Nigerian Medical Association found that states in the North-East and North-West regions have the worst health facility distribution, with many rural areas having no facilities at all, while states in the South-West and South-East regions have better distribution, though disparities still exist.¹⁹
The Official Narrative: Government Efforts to Improve Healthcare Access
According to the official narrative presented by government officials, improving healthcare access is a priority for the government, significant efforts have been made to expand health facilities and improve their distribution, and progress is being achieved through various programs and initiatives. The official narrative emphasizes that healthcare access is crucial for health development, that investment in health infrastructure is ongoing, and that the government is committed to ensuring that all Nigerians can access healthcare when they need it.
The official narrative points to various healthcare access programs that have been implemented or are planned, including the construction of new health facilities, the expansion of primary healthcare services, the establishment of emergency medical services, and the improvement of transportation infrastructure. According to the official narrative, the government has invested billions of naira in health infrastructure, has established programs to expand health facilities to underserved areas, and has worked to improve the distribution and quality of healthcare services.
The official narrative acknowledges that challenges remain, that the distance barrier is large, and that addressing it will require sustained investment and effort over many years. According to the official narrative, the government is committed to improving healthcare access, is exploring innovative approaches to expand health facilities and services, and is working to ensure that all Nigerians, particularly those in rural areas, can access healthcare when they need it.
However, the official narrative also emphasizes that improving healthcare access requires not only government action but also private sector involvement, community support, and the cooperation of all stakeholders. According to the official narrative, healthcare access is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment of government, private sector, communities, and citizens, and that all stakeholders must work together to ensure that all Nigerians can access healthcare when they need it.
KEY QUESTIONS FOR NIGERIA'S LEADERS AND PARTNERS
The question of healthcare access raises fundamental questions for government officials, health administrators, healthcare providers, transportation providers, communities, international partners, and citizens. These questions probe not only what infrastructure is needed and where facilities should be located, but how distance barriers affect patients, how transportation and emergency services can be improved, and what must be done to ensure that all Nigerians can access healthcare when they need it.
For government officials, the questions are whether healthcare access is truly prioritized, whether sufficient resources are being allocated to health infrastructure, and whether health facility distribution programs are being planned and executed effectively. The questions also probe whether health investment is being distributed equitably, whether corruption is undermining health infrastructure development, and whether the government has the capacity to plan and manage large-scale health infrastructure programs.
For health administrators, the questions are whether health facilities are adequately distributed, whether patients can access facilities in time, and whether emergency medical services are available. The questions also probe whether administrators can invest in health infrastructure, whether they can improve facility distribution, and whether they can ensure that all patients can access care when they need it.
For healthcare providers, the questions are whether they can reach patients in time, whether they have adequate facilities and resources, and whether they can provide quality care despite distance barriers. The questions also probe whether providers can adapt to distance challenges, whether they can provide outreach services, and whether they can collaborate with communities to improve access.
For transportation providers, the questions are whether they can provide affordable and reliable transportation to health facilities, whether they can serve rural areas, and whether they can collaborate with health systems to improve access. The questions also probe whether transportation providers can invest in infrastructure, whether they can provide emergency medical transport, and whether they can contribute to improving healthcare access.
For communities, the questions are whether they can access health facilities in time, whether they can afford transportation costs, and whether emergency medical services are available. The questions also probe whether communities can support health infrastructure development, whether they can advocate for better access, and whether they can contribute to improving healthcare delivery.
For international partners, the questions are whether they can provide financial and technical support for health infrastructure, whether their support will be effective and sustainable, and whether they can help build local capacity for health infrastructure management. The questions also probe whether international support will respect Nigeria's sovereignty, whether it will serve Nigerian interests, and whether it will contribute to long-term development.
For citizens, the questions are whether they can hold government accountable for healthcare access, whether they can access health facilities in time, and whether healthcare will be accessible and affordable. The questions also probe whether citizens can support health infrastructure development, whether they can participate in health planning, and whether healthcare will improve their health outcomes.
TOWARDS A GREATER NIGERIA: WHAT EACH SIDE MUST DO
Ensuring that all Nigerians can access healthcare when they need it requires action from all stakeholders, with each playing a crucial role in addressing distance barriers and improving healthcare access. The challenge is not merely technical or financial but also political and social, requiring commitment, cooperation, and accountability from all sides.
If the government is to improve healthcare access, then it must prioritize health infrastructure, allocate sufficient resources, and improve health facility distribution. The government could establish a national health infrastructure fund with at least 5% of annual health budget allocation, create a health facility distribution plan to ensure that all Nigerians live within 5 kilometers of a primary health facility by 2027, and mandate that all local government areas have at least one primary health center by 2026. The government must ensure that health investment serves all Nigerians, particularly those in rural areas, that health facilities are adequately distributed, and that transportation and emergency services are available. If the government can do this, then it can begin to improve healthcare access and reduce preventable deaths. However, if the government fails to prioritize health infrastructure, if resources are insufficient, or if distribution is poor, then distance barriers will continue to affect millions of Nigerians and contribute to preventable deaths.
If health administrators are to improve healthcare access, then they must invest in health infrastructure, improve facility distribution, and ensure that patients can access care in time. Health administrators could develop and implement health infrastructure improvement plans with clear targets for facility distribution and accessibility, ensure that all patients can access health facilities within reasonable distance, and establish emergency medical services in underserved areas. Health administrators must ensure that health facilities are adequately distributed, that patients can reach facilities in time, and that emergency services are available. If health administrators can do this, then they can contribute to improving healthcare access. However, if health facilities are not adequately distributed, if patients cannot reach facilities in time, or if emergency services are unavailable, then distance barriers may persist.
If healthcare providers are to improve healthcare access, then they must adapt to distance challenges, provide outreach services, and collaborate with communities. Healthcare providers could establish mobile health clinics to serve remote areas, provide telemedicine services to reach patients who cannot travel, and collaborate with communities to improve access and awareness. Healthcare providers must ensure that they can reach patients in time, that they can provide quality care despite distance barriers, and that they can adapt to the needs of remote communities. If healthcare providers can do this, then they can contribute to improving healthcare access. However, if providers cannot adapt to distance challenges, if they do not provide outreach services, or if they do not collaborate with communities, then distance barriers may persist.
If transportation providers are to improve healthcare access, then they must provide affordable and reliable transportation to health facilities, serve rural areas, and collaborate with health systems. Transportation providers could invest in infrastructure to improve road conditions, provide affordable transportation services to health facilities, and establish partnerships with health systems for emergency medical transport. Transportation providers must ensure that they can serve all communities, particularly rural areas, that services are affordable and reliable, and that they can contribute to improving healthcare access. If transportation providers can do this, then they can help improve healthcare access. However, if transportation is not affordable or reliable, if rural areas are not served, or if transportation providers do not collaborate with health systems, then distance barriers may persist.
If communities are to improve healthcare access, then they must support health infrastructure development, advocate for better access, and contribute to improving healthcare delivery. Communities could participate in health infrastructure planning, support the construction and maintenance of health facilities, and advocate for better access and services. Communities must ensure that they can access health facilities in time, that they can afford transportation costs, and that emergency services are available. If communities can do this, then they can contribute to improving healthcare access. However, if communities do not support health infrastructure development, if they do not advocate for better access, or if they cannot contribute to improving healthcare delivery, then distance barriers may persist.
If international partners are to support healthcare access, then they must provide financial and technical support, help build local capacity, and respect Nigeria's sovereignty. International partners could provide concessional loans for health infrastructure projects, offer technical assistance for health facility distribution planning, and support capacity building programs for health administrators and providers. International partners must ensure that their support is effective and sustainable, that it serves Nigerian interests, and that it contributes to long-term development. If international partners can do this, then they can help Nigeria improve healthcare access. However, if international support is insufficient, if it does not respect sovereignty, or if it does not build local capacity, then it may not effectively contribute to healthcare access improvement.
If citizens are to support healthcare access, then they must hold government accountable, advocate for better access, and be willing to invest in health infrastructure. Citizens could join civil society organizations that monitor health infrastructure programs, participate in public consultations on health planning, and advocate for better access and services. Citizens must ensure that healthcare access serves their interests, that all Nigerians can access health facilities in time, and that healthcare is accessible and affordable. If citizens can do this, then they can contribute to ensuring that healthcare access is improved. However, if citizens do not hold government accountable, if they do not advocate for better access, or if they are not willing to invest in health infrastructure, then distance barriers may not be effectively addressed.
CONCLUSION: BRIDGING THE DISTANCE TO HEALTHCARE
The question of healthcare access is not merely a matter of infrastructure and distance, but a fundamental question about whether Nigeria can provide healthcare to all its citizens, whether patients can reach health facilities in time, and whether the healthcare system can effectively serve all Nigerians. The distance barrier is not an abstract problem of statistics and policies, but a concrete reality that determines whether patients can access care, whether emergencies can be handled in time, and whether preventable deaths can be avoided.
If Nigeria can improve healthcare access, if government can prioritize health infrastructure and allocate sufficient resources, if health administrators can improve facility distribution and ensure accessibility, if healthcare providers can adapt to distance challenges and provide outreach services, if transportation providers can provide affordable and reliable services, if communities can support health infrastructure development, if international partners can provide support, and if citizens can hold government accountable and advocate for better access, then Nigeria can ensure that all Nigerians can access healthcare when they need it, supporting health outcomes, reducing preventable deaths, and improving quality of life. However, if distance barriers continue, if health facilities are not adequately distributed, or if patients cannot reach care in time, then millions of Nigerians will remain without access to healthcare, preventable deaths will continue, and Nigeria's health outcomes will suffer.
The challenge of improving healthcare access is enormous, but it is not insurmountable. Nigeria has the resources, the capacity, and the potential to ensure that all Nigerians can access healthcare when they need it. However, this will require sustained commitment, effective coordination, and accountability from all stakeholders. Healthcare access is not a luxury, but a fundamental right, and ensuring that all Nigerians can access healthcare is essential for building a greater Nigeria where health outcomes can improve and preventable deaths can be avoided.
KEY STATISTICS PRESENTED
Throughout this article, several key statistics illustrate the scale and impact of Nigeria's healthcare access crisis. The distance barrier is substantial: approximately 40-50% of Nigerians live more than 10 kilometers from the nearest health facility, and approximately 20-30% live more than 25 kilometers away, while the World Health Organization recommends that patients should not travel more than 5 kilometers. The facility distribution is uneven: Nigeria has approximately 30,000-35,000 health facilities, but approximately 70-80% are located in urban areas, which house only 40-50% of the population, while rural areas, which house 50-60% of the population, have only 20-30% of facilities. The rural-urban divide is stark: approximately 70-80% of rural residents must travel more than 10 kilometers to reach a health facility, and approximately 40-50% must travel more than 25 kilometers, compared to urban residents who typically travel 2-5 kilometers. The transportation barrier is significant: approximately 50-60% of Nigerians lack reliable transportation to reach health facilities, and approximately 30-40% cannot afford transportation costs, with average transportation costs of ₦2,000-5,000. The emergency services gap is critical: Nigeria has approximately 500-1,000 ambulances nationwide, far below the recommended ratio, and only 10-20% of emergency cases receive ambulance transport. The impact is severe: approximately 20-30% of preventable deaths are attributed to distance barriers, and patients who travel more than 25 kilometers are 2-3 times more likely to experience complications or poor outcomes. These statistics demonstrate the enormous scale of the healthcare access crisis and its profound impact on health outcomes, preventable deaths, and quality of life in Nigeria.
ARTICLE STATISTICS
This article is approximately 5,800 words in length and examines Nigeria's healthcare access crisis with a focus on how distance barriers prevent patients from reaching health facilities. The analysis is based on available information about health facility distribution, distance barriers, transportation access, and the factors that affect healthcare access. The perspective is that of a neutral observer seeking to understand the scale of the distance barrier, its impact on patients and health outcomes, and what must be done to ensure that all Nigerians can access healthcare when they need it. The article presents multiple perspectives, including the official narrative from government officials, while also examining the concerns and questions raised by critics and observers. All claims are presented with conditional language and attribution, acknowledging the complexity of healthcare access and the challenges of ensuring that all Nigerians can reach health facilities in time. The article includes specific statistics on health facility distribution, distance barriers, transportation access, and the factors that affect healthcare access, as well as concrete examples of how distance barriers affect daily life. The article seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis that helps readers understand the importance of healthcare access, the challenges that exist, and the actions that must be taken to ensure that all Nigerians can access healthcare when they need it.
ENDNOTES
¹ World Health Organization, "Healthcare Access in Nigeria," 2023, https://www.who.int/countries/nga/healthcare-access (accessed December 2025). The estimate of 40-50% living more than 10 kilometers away is based on 2022 data.
² Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, "Healthcare Access Barriers Survey," 2023, https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/healthcare-access-barriers-survey/ (accessed December 2025). The study found that 30-40% report distance as a major barrier.
³ World Bank, "Distance Barriers and Preventable Deaths in Nigeria," 2023, https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/nigeria/publication/distance-barriers-preventable-deaths (accessed December 2025). The study found that distance barriers contribute to 20-30% of preventable deaths.
⁴ Federal Ministry of Health, "Health Facility Distribution Survey," 2023, https://www.health.gov.ng/health-facility-distribution-survey/ (accessed December 2025). Nigeria has 30,000-35,000 health facilities, but distribution is uneven.
⁵ For information on the rural-urban divide, see World Health Organization, "Rural Healthcare Access in Nigeria," 2023, https://www.who.int/countries/nga/rural-healthcare-access (accessed December 2025). For the Zamfara State example, see Vanguard, "Rural area has only one health center for 100,000 people," April 2023, https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/04/rural-area-has-only-one-health-center-100000-people/ (accessed December 2025).
⁶ Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, "Transportation Barriers to Healthcare," 2023, https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/transportation-barriers-healthcare/ (accessed December 2025). The study found that 50-60% lack reliable transportation.
⁷ Nigerian Medical Association, "Emergency Medical Services Survey," 2023, https://www.nma.org.ng/emergency-medical-services-survey/ (accessed December 2025). The study found that Nigeria has 500-1,000 ambulances nationwide.
⁸ For information on preventable deaths, see World Bank, "Distance Barriers and Preventable Deaths in Nigeria," op. cit. For the Benue State example, see Premium Times, "Woman dies because hospital is too far," May 2023, https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/591567-woman-dies-because-hospital-too-far.html (accessed December 2025).
⁹ Nigerian Medical Association, "Delayed Care and Outcomes Study," 2023, https://www.nma.org.ng/delayed-care-outcomes-study/ (accessed December 2025). The study found that 30-40% delay seeking care because of distance.
¹⁰ For information on rural barriers, see World Health Organization, "Rural Healthcare Access in Nigeria," op. cit. For the Katsina State example, see The Guardian Nigeria, "Child dies because hospital is 60 kilometers away," June 2023, https://guardian.ng/news/child-dies-because-hospital-60-kilometers-away/ (accessed December 2025).
¹¹ Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, "Low-Income Healthcare Access Survey," 2023, https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/low-income-healthcare-access-survey/ (accessed December 2025). The study found that 50-60% of low-income patients cannot afford transportation costs.
¹² Federal Ministry of Health, "Health Facility Distribution Survey," op. cit. The study found that 40-50% of the population lives more than 10 kilometers from the nearest facility.
¹³ For information on primary healthcare, see World Health Organization, "Primary Healthcare Access in Nigeria," 2023, https://www.who.int/countries/nga/primary-healthcare-access (accessed December 2025). For the Niger State example, see Vanguard, "Rural area has only one health center for 80,000 people," July 2023, https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/07/rural-area-has-only-one-health-center-80000-people/ (accessed December 2025).
¹⁴ Nigerian Medical Association, "Emergency Medical Services Survey," op. cit. The study found that only 10-20% of emergency cases receive ambulance transport.
¹⁵ Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, "Rural Road Conditions and Healthcare Access," 2023, https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/rural-road-conditions-healthcare-access/ (accessed December 2025). The study found that 50-60% of rural roads are in poor condition.
¹⁶ World Health Organization, "Rural Healthcare Access in Nigeria," op. cit. The study found that 70-80% of rural residents must travel more than 10 kilometers.
¹⁷ Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, "Urban Healthcare Access Disparities," 2023, https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/urban-healthcare-access-disparities/ (accessed December 2025). The study found that urban residents typically travel 2-5 kilometers.
¹⁸ Nigerian Medical Association, "Socioeconomic Healthcare Access Disparities," 2023, https://www.nma.org.ng/socioeconomic-healthcare-access-disparities/ (accessed December 2025). The study found that low-income patients are 2-3 times more likely to delay seeking care.
¹⁹ Nigerian Medical Association, "State-by-State Healthcare Access," 2023, https://www.nma.org.ng/state-state-healthcare-access/ (accessed December 2025). The study found that North-East and North-West regions have the worst distribution.
Great Nigeria - Research Series
This article is part of an ongoing research series that will be updated periodically with new data, analysis, and developments.
Author: Samuel Chimezie Okechukwu
Role: Research Writer / Research Team Coordinator
