Nigeria’s foreign travel bill has surged to nearly $6bn in 2025, driven largely by education, medical care and personal trips, according to Vanguard News. Data from the Central Bank shows Nigerians spent $5.996bn on international airline tickets, a 32% rise year-on-year. Education alone gulped $2.845bn, while medical tourism hit $684.7m. Business and personal travel also climbed sharply, reflecting rising outbound demand.
Experts warn the trend highlights weak local institutions, from universities to hospitals, pushing Nigerians abroad. Aviation analysts say foreign airlines and overseas economies are the biggest winners, urging urgent reforms in health, education, infrastructure and security to reverse capital flight. Stakeholders call for stronger domestic investment and policy action to retain foreign exchange at home immediately and sustainably now.
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