Abstract : Early mobility (EM) reduces Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and hospital stay, optimizing quality of life in survivors. However, evidence has shown that barriers exist at the level of the patient, clinician and healthcare institution, hampering the implementation of EM. To identify physiotherapists’ perspectives on the barriers and potential facilitators to mobilizing critically ill patients in the ICU. One hundred and fifty physiotherapists involved in critical care within the southeastern (SE) part of Nigeria were surveyed using a 26 - item survey instrument which assessed mobility barriers related to the patient, health institution and process of care with additional open-ended questions on suggestions on effective approaches to facilitate EM of critically ill patients. Descriptive statistics were computed for all variables. The most frequently opted patient-related barriers were hemodynamic instability (52.0%), pain/discomfort (48%), reduced level of consciousness (47.3%) and level of sedation (47.3%); institutional – related barriers were equipment availability (46.7%), time constraint (44.7%) and staff availability (40.7%) while Process- related barriers were lack of clear recommendations for mobilization (3.85±2.10), poor interdisciplinary communication on the process and need of EM (32%) and an intensive care unit culture that does not promote and value mobilization (18.7%). Most frequently suggested strategies to facilitate EM were provision of mobility equipment, staffing and training on safe and effective mobility techniques. Implementation of EM in SE Nigeria is mostly hampered by patient- related barriers followed by Institutional - related barriers then barriers resulting from the healthcare providers.