Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, MD Nordica Fertility Centre
For over two decades, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nordica Fertility Centre, has weathered storms that would make most entrepreneurs shudder — from importation bottlenecks to infrastructural hurdles and the nationwide brain drain. Yet, through it all, he has not only sustained but elevated Nordica into one of Nigeria’s most recognized fertility clinics.
In a recent media chat, Dr. Ajayi offered an unfiltered look into the behind-the-scenes struggles of running a specialized medical facility in Nigeria.
“Let me start with something that frustrates every medical professional trying to do the right thing,” Dr. Ajayi began, exhaling deeply. “It’s this issue with customs and the importation of medical equipment.”
Despite a prior announcement by the Minister of Health, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, about an impending executive order from President Bola Tinubu to remove import duties on medical items, the CEO says the policy remains unimplemented.
“To my greatest delight, the Minister said last year that there would be an executive order for zero import duty on medical goods,” he recalled. “Well, that’s yet to see the light of day. I’m bringing in some equipment now, and I’m paying through my nose at customs.”
He explained the double economic blow: “You make money in naira, buy equipment in dollars, euros, or pounds, then get taxed again based on those foreign currencies when importing. It’s not sustainable.”
Another daunting challenge is Nigeria’s power infrastructure. “You can’t afford to say ‘NEPA took light’ in this kind of business,” Dr. Ajayi said. “We run every clinic with three generators — two large, one small — and even have our own transformers. And now, we’re investing heavily in solar.”
Despite these efforts, energy costs continue to mount. “You’re earning in naira, powering your operations with diesel, NEPA, or solar — all of which are dollar-indexed in real terms. It eats away at your bottom line.”
Dr. Ajayi also touched on the growing manpower crisis, fueled by the ‘Japa’ wave — a slang term for the mass emigration of Nigerian professionals.
“It’s not just doctors and nurses. Every sector is affected,” he said. “It’s like a modern-day slave trade, and I hope we start taking it more seriously.”
Still, he empathizes with the youth. “I don’t blame them. The future looks bleak for many. But we must start mentoring these young ones. Help them see that there are opportunities here if they’re willing to create value.”
In Dr. Ajayi’s words, “What many Nigerians are chasing abroad isn’t opportunity — it’s comfort. True opportunities are here in Nigeria. What value can you offer the 200 million people in this country?”
Even with skepticism about content creation as a career path, he offers admiration: “I used to dismiss content creators, but I salute them. At least they’re creating employment for themselves. Still, they must think long term. What’s the next phase?”
Reflecting on his personal growth, the MD shared how the journey has reshaped his values and worldview.
“I used to be very impatient,” he admitted. “I expected everyone to think like me. But I’ve learned that people process things differently, and that doesn’t make them useless. It’s humbled me.”
He also credits his faith for keeping him grounded. “There are things I’ve faced that only God could have helped me through. This journey has deepened my spirituality.”
“I get requests every week to open new clinics across the country,” he said. “But IVF clinics are not like McDonald’s. You don’t just replicate them everywhere.”
Instead, Dr. Ajayi is focused on consolidation. “For me, the next five years is about strengthening what we have. Maintaining our standards. Investing in technology. And eventually handing over to the next generation.”
Nordica, he noted, is ISO certified and driven by a process-based culture. “We have a process for practically everything — even opening the doors,” he said with a laugh. “It’s how we ensure consistency and excellence.”
With over 100 staff members under his leadership, Dr. Ajayi sees mentorship as a core part of his legacy.
“You can’t go through all this and not pour into the next generation. That’s why I’m passionate about mentoring. We must teach them how to build value, how to sustain it — and how to make it count.”
After 22 years at the helm, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi’s story is not just one of business success — it’s a tale of resilience, transformation, and a heartfelt commitment to a future where fertility care in Nigeria isn’t hindered by infrastructure or policy, but empowered by purpose.
