Global health perspectives on the comparative analysis of healthcare systems between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia

Objective To comparatively examine the healthcare systems of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, with a focus on health financing, service delivery, workforce capacity, governance arrangements, and health outcomes. Methodology This study employed a descriptive and comparative approach to examine the healthcare systems of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, focusing on demographic, political, financial, and economic factors shaping performance. Secondary data, government reports, and international databases (2000–2025) were analysed, covering financing, service delivery, workforce, accessibility, and health outcomes. Analysis combined descriptive synthesis with a systematic cross-country comparison using global benchmarks with strategies applied to align timelines and address missing data for comparability. Results Marked differences were observed between the two countries. Nigeria exhibited persistently poorer maternal and child health outcomes and higher exposure to catastrophic health expenditure, reflecting limited United Health Coverage (UHC) coverage and heavy reliance on out-of-pocket payments. In contrast, Saudi Arabia demonstrated stronger service coverage and financial protection, consistent with sustained public health financing, though challenges related to non-communicable diseases and system sustainability were evident. Conclusion The findings highlight that health system organization and financing rather than economic structure alone are critical determinants of public health outcomes. Strengthening primary health care and financial risk protection is essential for advancing equity and UHC in low- and middle-income countries, while high-income and transitioning systems must balance universal access with long-term sustainability. These insights offer transferable lessons for health system reform across diverse contexts.