Nigerian Doctor's Decade-Long Journey to Car Ownership Highlights Systemic Issues
A Nigerian medical doctor, identified as Babatunde, has shared a poignant story and photograph of the car he was finally able to purchase after a full decade of dedicated medical practice combined with a side hustle. The post, which has resonated widely, underscores the profound economic challenges faced by many professionals within Nigeria's healthcare sector.
A Humbling Incident in Abeokuta
In his account, Dr. Babatunde, who appears to have since relocated to the United Kingdom, recalled a particularly disheartening moment. His vehicle broke down on a road in Abeokuta, Ogun State. As he struggled under the intense sun, still wearing his professional attire including a tie, a group of young men in a Lexus SUV drove past, openly laughing at his predicament.
"10 years as a Medical Doctor in Nigeria. This is what I could afford," he wrote in a social media post dated Tuesday, February 17, 2026. "On this particular day some young boys in a Lexus were laughing at me with my tie under the hot sun of Abeokuta."
The Financial Reality of Medical Practice
The doctor's narrative reveals a stark financial reality. He explicitly stated that his official salary as a medical doctor, even when supplemented by income from a side hustle, was insufficient to finance the purchase of a replacement vehicle at the time of the breakdown. This admission points to a significant disparity between the cost of living, the value of essential assets like reliable transportation, and the compensation for highly skilled, critical professions.
"There was no way on earth my salary and side hustle could get me another car," he emphasized, highlighting the extent of the financial strain.
A Call for National Reformation
Beyond sharing a personal struggle, Dr. Babatunde's message culminated in a powerful plea for systemic change. His experience framed a broader critique of Nigeria's socio-economic structure, which he perceives as benefiting only a select few.
He concluded his post with a resonant call to action: "We really need to fix Nigeria for Nigerians not just for a few." This statement has transformed his personal anecdote into a focal point for discussions on income inequality, the brain drain of skilled professionals, and the urgent need for reforms that ensure a dignified livelihood for those serving in vital public sectors like healthcare.
The story, originally shared via a post attributed to blogger Linda Ikeji, continues to spark conversations online about professional wages, national development priorities, and the real-life sacrifices made by Nigeria's medical workforce.
