President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals living abroad to return home and help strengthen the country’s health sector, as Africa’s most populous nation continues to grapple with a shortage of medical personnel.
Tinubu made the appeal during a healthcare event in Abuja, where he acknowledged the growing number of Nigerian medical professionals seeking better career opportunities overseas. He said their expertise is essential to improving healthcare delivery and expanding access to quality medical services.
Nigeria has experienced a steady exodus of doctors, nurses and other skilled health workers in recent years. Many have relocated to countries including the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, citing higher salaries, improved working conditions and greater opportunities for professional development.
The president said his administration is working to address long-standing challenges within the health sector through reforms, increased investment and policies designed to create a more supportive environment for healthcare workers.
Tinubu urged members of the Nigerian medical diaspora to contribute to the country’s healthcare transformation by returning to practice or partnering with local institutions to share knowledge, skills and innovation.
The migration of healthcare workers, commonly known as “brain drain,” has placed additional pressure on Nigeria’s medical system. Hospitals across the country continue to face staffing shortages, increasing workloads for remaining personnel and limiting access to care, particularly in rural communities.
Health experts have repeatedly warned that reversing the trend will require more than appeals. They argue that competitive pay, improved infrastructure, better security and expanded career opportunities are critical to retaining skilled professionals and encouraging those abroad to return.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system and said collaboration between the government, private sector and Nigerian professionals worldwide will be key to building a more resilient and accessible health service for the country’s growing population.
