Canada’s plan to introduce a new Express Entry category for foreign doctors in early 2026 has drawn attention far beyond its borders. Nigeria is already struggling to keep enough doctors within its hospitals and clinics. In some states, one doctor is reportedly responsible for more than 43,000 patients, this is a burden that can stretch the limits of what any health worker can reasonably handle. Now, a new immigration pathway being introduced by Canada in early 2026 may further deepen the pressure, as it opens another clear way for foreign-trained doctors, including Nigerians, to secure permanent residency.

Northern Nigeria, in particular, is facing a quiet emergency. Years of insecurity, poor infrastructure and limited incentives have continued to push doctors and other skilled health workers out of the region. Many move south. Others leave the country entirely. The result is a health system that grows thinner by the year, especially in communities that already have the greatest need.

Canada’s latest move was announced in a joint statement by its Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Diab, alongside the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Maggie Chi. Under the new policy, foreign doctors who have at least one year of Canadian work experience in an eligible medical role within the past three years will be able to apply for permanent residency through a dedicated Express Entry category.

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The decision is part of a broader plan by Canada to stabilise its own health system, which has been under strain from staff shortages. While the country is tightening other parts of its immigration system ahead of 2026, healthcare professionals are being prioritised as essential workers whose skills are urgently needed.

However, the timing is troubling. The country already has far fewer doctors than required for its growing population, and the problem is not evenly spread. A recent health sector review shows that states such as Yobe, Kebbi, Zamfara and Jigawa have about 0.5 doctors per 10,000 people. In real terms, that translates to roughly one doctor for every 20,000 residents.

To place this in perspective, the World Health Organisation recommends a minimum of 2.5 doctors per 1,000 people. No Nigerian state currently meets this benchmark. The gap is widest in the north, where fragile health systems now operate under the weight of both insecurity and continuous talent loss.

Canada’s new pathway will undoubtedly be welcomed by many Nigerian doctors already working abroad, especially those seeking stability and long-term security. Yet, for the country they leave behind, it raises hard questions about how long Nigeria’s health system can continue to function with a workforce that keeps shrinking.

What remains clear is that while other countries compete aggressively for medical talent, Nigeria is running out of time to create the conditions that make its own professionals want to stay.

Meiza Nigeria