Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A popular Northern businessman and content creator, Alhaji Uban Har Ƙalla, has raised a disturbing alarm over what he described as the alleged poor treatment and neglect of Nigerian patients in hospitals across Saudi Arabia. In a video that has since gone viral on social media, the businessman, who is also a prominent social media influencer, narrated his harrowing experience after undergoing surgery in the Kingdom, claiming he was left without proper consultation or care. His emotional appeal, which has sparked widespread outrage and concern among Nigerians, has renewed debates over the treatment of Nigerian citizens in foreign medical facilities and the lack of adequate oversight by Nigerian authorities.
In the viral video, which was shared on Sunday, July 26, 2026, Uban Har Ƙalla, who is also known for his philanthropic activities, appealed directly to the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to investigate the treatment of Nigerian patients in Saudi hospitals. According to him, after undergoing surgery for a stomach-related illness, he sought treatment at two different hospitals in Saudi Arabia but was allegedly left without proper medical attention. "Assalamu alaikum. I am appealing to Nigerians, especially relevant authorities, to please look into the way some Nigerian patients are allegedly being treated in hospitals in Saudi Arabia," he said in the video. "After undergoing surgery for a stomach-related illness, I sought treatment at two different hospitals, but I was left without proper consultation or care. I sincerely need your prayers."
The businessman's claims have raised serious questions about the quality of healthcare provided to Nigerian nationals in Saudi Arabia, particularly those who travel to the Kingdom for medical treatment or pilgrimage. While Saudi Arabia boasts a well-developed healthcare system with state-of-the-art facilities, reports have previously surfaced about the challenges faced by foreign patients, including language barriers, discrimination, and limited access to adequate care. In 2024, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria confirmed that at least 54 Nigerian pilgrims were hospitalised in Saudi Arabia during the Hajj exercise, with four deaths recorded. Additionally, a 2025 report by The Source alleged that thousands of Nigerian pilgrims were left without access to medical facilities despite the Federal Government spending huge sums to sponsor 300 medical personnel and procure drugs for Nigerians in the Holy Land.
The allegations made by Uban Har Ƙalla come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with its own healthcare crisis, including inadequate manpower, unreliable electricity, obsolete diagnostic equipment, endemic corruption and incessant strikes by health workers. The Nigerian Medical Association estimates that poor working conditions have driven an exodus of medical professionals to countries like the UK, US, Canada and Saudi Arabia, further crippling the country's healthcare system. The businessman's appeal also highlights the vulnerabilities of Nigerian medical tourists who, seeking advanced treatment abroad, often find themselves at the mercy of foreign healthcare systems with little to no support from the Nigerian government.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission had issued an official statement regarding the allegations raised by Uban Har Ƙalla. Efforts to reach the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for comment were also unsuccessful. However, the viral video has already sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing solidarity with the businessman and calling on the Federal Government to intervene and ensure the protection of Nigerian citizens seeking medical treatment abroad. Others have called for a comprehensive review of the healthcare services provided to Nigerian patients in Saudi Arabia, while some have urged the government to establish a dedicated helpline or support system for Nigerians facing similar challenges in foreign countries.
Uban Har Ƙalla's emotional appeal has once again brought to the fore the need for stronger diplomatic and consular support for Nigerians abroad, particularly those who find themselves in vulnerable situations. As the video continues to circulate and attract attention, the pressure is mounting on the Nigerian government and relevant agencies to respond to the allegations and take concrete steps to ensure that Nigerian citizens receive fair and adequate treatment wherever they may be. For now, the businessman's plea for prayers and intervention remains a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Nigerians navigating foreign healthcare systems.
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