A member of the House of Representatives, Amobi Ogah, has expressed deep disappointment over the state of Nigeria’s public healthcare system, calling it shameful that the country’s leaders still travel abroad for medical treatment — even in death.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Amobi referenced the recent incident involving former President Muhammadu Buhari, whose body was flown back into Nigeria from a high-end London hospital.

“You are aware that a few weeks ago, our former president was flown in as cargo,” he said. “Is it not a shame that our top politicians still rely on foreign hospitals? Are we not embarrassed by this?”

Amobi made the remarks in support of a new bill pushing to ban public officials and civil servants from using private schools and hospitals, in a bid to force improvements in Nigeria’s public institutions.

He argued that the political elite must begin to lead by example and stop abandoning the very systems they were elected to fix. According to him, improving education and healthcare is key to restoring public trust and securing the country’s future.

“If we don’t start taking public institutions seriously, we are not going anywhere,” he warned.

His comments come amid growing concerns about Nigeria’s failing public services and the increasing number of citizens — including top government officials — seeking medical treatment abroad.