President says diaspora medical professionals have a key role to play in transforming Nigeria’s health sector as government intensifies efforts to reverse brain drain…..
President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals living abroad to return home and contribute their expertise to the ongoing transformation of the country’s healthcare system.
The President made the appeal on Friday while receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Diaspora Medical Associations Worldwide at the State House in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and included Nigerian medical professionals from different parts of the world who recently participated in medical outreach programmes across the country.
Addressing the visitors, Tinubu said Nigeria needs the experience, innovation and skills of its highly trained professionals overseas to strengthen the nation’s healthcare system and improve access to quality medical services.
He praised the doctors for returning to provide free medical services to Nigerians, describing their commitment as a demonstration of patriotism and dedication to humanity.
“It is a great joy to see you coming back home with the desire to serve your country and meet the healthcare needs of our people. Your commitment to humanity reflects the oath you took as medical professionals, and I sincerely appreciate your efforts,” the President said.
Drawing from his own career experience, Tinubu recalled returning to Nigeria after working with multinational organisations abroad, saying his decision was driven by a desire to contribute to national development.
He told the visiting professionals that while opportunities exist overseas, no country can replace the sense of belonging and responsibility that comes with helping to build one’s homeland.
The President reaffirmed that healthcare remains one of the major priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that his administration is implementing reforms aimed at strengthening primary healthcare, expanding access to quality medical services and improving conditions within the sector.
According to him, the government is also investing in medical education, research, digital health infrastructure and improved welfare for healthcare workers as part of efforts to reduce the migration of skilled professionals.
Tinubu encouraged the diaspora doctors to become ambassadors for Nigeria by motivating other Nigerian healthcare professionals abroad to contribute through investments, partnerships, knowledge sharing and, where possible, permanent return.
He also commended the delegation for conducting medical outreach programmes in several parts of the country, including the North-East, North-West, South-East and South-West, where they provided specialist consultations, surgeries, health education and other life-saving interventions.
Earlier, NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa said the visiting doctors had demonstrated their commitment to national development by returning to offer their expertise despite building successful careers overseas.
She noted that the Commission would continue to encourage Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development in line with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, many Nigerians abroad are eager to give back by sharing their knowledge, experience and professional skills to strengthen key sectors, particularly healthcare.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, also described the growing interest from diaspora medical professionals as evidence that the Federal Government’s healthcare reform agenda is attracting global support from Nigerians living abroad.
He said the Ministry of Health has maintained regular engagement with healthcare professionals in the diaspora and expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to grow.
Salako announced that collaboration with Nigerian medical professionals abroad would become an annual programme of the ministry as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare delivery system.
Among those who accompanied the delegation were Dr. Jide Menakaya, Dr. Kunle Akanbi, Dr. Uche Menakaya, Professor Afekhide Ernest Omoti, Professor Rotimi Jaiyesimi, Dr. Hamid Balogun, Dr. Sadiya Gumi, Dr. Benjamin Anyanwu, Dr. Emilia Iwu, Chike Nweke, Wendy Olayinka, Timileyin Oluseye, Charles Adekunle and Tayo Erogbogbo.
