Brian Deaver is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the newly commissioned African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), Abuja, a world-class tertiary medical institution spearheaded by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with King’s College Hospital, London. In this interview with NKECHI ONYEDIKA-UGOEZE, Deaver says that to tackle the brain drain problem, Nigeria must create an environment that welcomes talent back by offering the right infrastructure, meaningful career paths, competitive salaries, and opportunities for continuous learning. Excerpts:

Nigeria’s health sector is a story of both promise and paradox. On the one hand, we have some of the most brilliant and dedicated healthcare professionals you will find anywhere in the world. On the other hand, the system they work in is often overstretched and underfunded. 
For instance, Nigeria has just 0.38 doctors per 1,000 people, far below the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s recommended minimum of one per 1,000. We are also grappling with infrastructure gaps, limited access to specialised care, particularly in rural areas, and a funding shortfall that makes it difficult to modernise services or retain top talent. Yet, I remain optimistic. 

We are seeing encouraging signs, especially in the growing collaboration between government and private sector players. Initiatives like the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and innovations in health insurance, coupled with strategic investments like African Medical Centre of Excellence(AMCE), signal a real opportunity to transform the sector. It’s time to move from reactive to proactive care, from dependence to resilience. The potential is there; we just need to unlock it together.

Nigeria’s healthcare professionals are truly remarkable. They are skilled, resilient, and incredibly resourceful, often working in difficult conditions, yet still managing to deliver lifesaving care. It’s no surprise that Nigerian doctors and nurses are in high demand globally. In fact, over 11,000 Nigerian doctors are currently practising in the United Kingdom (UK) alone, according to the General Medical Council.
That said, many of our healthcare professionals work in settings that don’t always match their level of expertise or dedication. Resource limitations, whether in equipment, infrastructure or support systems, can make it challenging for them to deliver care at the standard they are capable of. However, with the right investments and policies in place, we can create an environment where their skills are fully optimised, and where both patients and providers benefit from a stronger, more responsive health system.

To change this, we must prioritise strategic investments, not just in training, but also in fair compensation, modern infrastructure, and career growth opportunities. If we create the right environment, our healthcare workers won’t just stay; they will lead the transformation of our health system.

Brain drain isn’t just a statistic, it’s a reflection of the aspirations of talented professionals who want to grow, learn, and make an impact. Many Nigerian-trained doctors and nurses leave the country in search of better working conditions, access to cutting-edge technology, and a higher quality of life. These are valid desires, and instead of seeing brain drain as a loss, we can reframe it as an opportunity for brain gain.

To do that, we must create an environment that welcomes talent back, offering the right infrastructure, meaningful career paths, competitive salaries, and opportunities for continuous learning. At AMCE, we are building exactly that – a medical city that operates to international standards, values our people, and fosters innovation and collaboration. Our goal is to make returning home not just a personal decision but also a professional advantage.

Reversing medical tourism starts with a simple truth: Nigerians deserve access to world-class care without having to board a plane. Every year, thousands travel abroad for specialised treatment, costing the country over $2 billion yearly. But the real cost is emotional, being far from home, family, and familiar support systems during vulnerable moments.

To change this, we must invest in our local health system, building the kind of facilities, expertise, and patient experience that inspire confidence. That’s exactly what AMCE is here to do. From oncology and cardiology to hematology, we are bringing together advanced diagnostics, top-tier talent, and compassionate care under one roof, right here in Nigeria. Our mission is to ensure that when Nigerians seek care, they can find it at home.

To truly strengthen our health system, we need to move beyond reliance on donor funding and embrace sustainable, homegrown solutions. This means exploring innovative approaches like blended financing, healthcare bonds, and unlocking strategic investments from the private sector. 
Public-private partnerships are key; they offer a powerful way to bridge funding gaps, scale infrastructure, and improve service delivery. AMCE is a testament to what’s possible when visionary collaboration meets long-term commitment. It shows that with the right partners and purpose, we can build world-class healthcare systems that serve Nigerians and the broader African region for generations to come.

Briefly tell us about the AMCE, the expansion plan and what Nigerians and Africans in general should expect as the centre begins operation?
AMCE isn’t just a hospital; it’s a vision for transforming healthcare across Africa. With a commitment to delivering world-class care, we have built the largest specialised private medical facility in the region, starting in Abuja. While we’re beginning with 170 beds, our plans for expansion will eventually grow to 500 beds, making advanced healthcare accessible to many more people.

What makes us truly unique is our ability to offer a level of care and expertise that’s rare in the region. We have invested in state-of-the-art equipment, including West Africa’s first 18MeV cyclotron, the only 3T MRI in Nigeria, and advanced diagnostic tools like PET and SPECT CT. Our facility also includes comprehensive services like cardiac surgeries, oncology treatments, stem cell transplants, and more.

Beyond just advanced technology, we are creating an environment where highly skilled professionals thrive; doctors, nurses, lab scientists, and engineers all work together to provide integrated, world-class care. It’s about more than just treating patients; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous learning, research, and innovation that can impact the entire continent.

We’re not just focused on providing exceptional medical care; we’re committed to reversing the trend of medical tourism, bringing life-saving treatments and expertise closer to home for Africans. By doing so, we hope to retain our talented professionals, create sustainable healthcare, and ensure that people in Africa no longer have to leave the continent for the treatment they deserve.

At AMCE, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare that spans advanced diagnostics, surgeries, critical care, rehabilitation, clinical trials, and telemedicine, all within our four key specialties. But our mission goes beyond delivering high-quality care—we are equally committed to ensuring that this care is accessible to all. To help address the financial barriers that many face, the AMCE Foundation is being established to provide support and ensure that no one is left behind. Through this initiative, we aim to create a more equitable healthcare system where every patient, regardless of background, can access the care they need and deserve.

As the most populous country in Africa, Nigeria plays a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare across the continent. Yet, despite this leadership position, access to advanced medical care remains limited—particularly as the burden of non-communicable diseases continues to rise. Recognising this urgent need, a competitive bid process was launched to determine the host country for the first AMCE. After a rigorous evaluation of several prospective host countries, Nigeria was selected to host the inaugural centre—affirming its central role in driving regional healthcare advancement.

Located in Abuja, AMCE is envisioned as a world-class medical city that will not only serve the needs of Nigerians but also become a critical healthcare hub for the wider West African region. With state-of-the-art facilities and a steadfast commitment to quality care, AMCE is setting a new benchmark for specialised healthcare in Africa – poised to improve the lives of millions across the continent.

Absolutely! We are combining cutting-edge technology with globally trained professionals to offer world-class care that meets international standards. But what truly sets us apart is our holistic approach. We are not just focused on patient care; we are also building a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates clinical excellence, research, and training. This means that patients will receive the same high-quality care they would seek abroad, right here in Nigeria, without the need to travel. By focusing on innovation and continuous learning, AMCE is creating a sustainable healthcare model that will positively impact generations to come.

Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030 will require bold and coordinated efforts across all sectors. Strengthening primary healthcare, expanding insurance coverage, improving health financing, and embracing digital health solutions are all crucial steps in this journey. The private sector has an essential role to play as a key partner in driving change.

At AMCE, we are demonstrating how innovative and inclusive models of care can make a tangible difference. By offering world-class healthcare services and integrating new technologies, we aim to accelerate Nigeria’s progress towards UHC, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to the care they need, when they need it.