Wole Ojo Raises Alarm Over Doctors’ Pay in Nigeria

Nollywood actor Wole Ojo has expressed concern over what he described as poor pay for doctors in Nigeria, saying remuneration levels in some major hospitals are not commensurate with the pressure and responsibility of medical work.

In a video shared on social media, Ojo said he had recently learned that some doctors earn between ₦350,000 and ₦500,000 monthly. He said the figures left him troubled, especially when converted to dollars at prevailing exchange rates.

According to the actor, a monthly salary of about ₦400,000 translates to roughly $300 at around ₦1,350 to one dollar, placing annual earnings close to $3,600. He said that means many doctors are earning less than $4,000 yearly despite the intensity of their duties.

“I try as much as possible to stay away from certain topics, but I found out something recently that shook me,” Ojo said.

He added: “I found out that doctors in Nigeria, from one of the biggest hospitals on the Island, are being paid ₦400,000 a month. I have heard some do ₦500,000, some do less, some ₦350,000… for doctors.

“₦400,000 at about ₦1,350 to $1 is about $300. Multiply it by 12 months, it’s about $3,600. Doctors in this country are on a payroll less than $4,000 a year. I am genuinely worried. I am afraid, scared, worried, sad and pained.”

Ojo said he does not believe one profession is superior to another, but argued that doctors should be better compensated because of the life-and-death nature of their work and the years of training required to practise medicine.

“I don’t place any profession above any other but doctors are legit special people,” he said.

The comments have added to an ongoing national conversation on health-sector retention, welfare and migration pressure, as many trained professionals continue to seek better working conditions abroad. Stakeholders in the sector have repeatedly argued that stronger compensation and workplace support are needed to keep skilled personnel in Nigeria’s hospitals.