Japa: Tinubu Approves Policy to Retain Medical Experts in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has approved a new national policy aimed at tackling the growing issue of health workforce migration from Nigeria.

The announcement came via a statement from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, on Monday. The minister emphasized that this policy is a comprehensive strategy designed to manage, harness, and ultimately reverse the migration of health workers.

The policy intends to entice Nigerian medical professionals abroad to return home with attractive incentives, reintegrating them into the national health system. “This approach leverages the expertise of our diaspora to bridge gaps within the health sector,” the statement noted.

Furthermore, the policy promotes reciprocal agreements with other countries to ensure that the exchange of health workers is beneficial to Nigeria. “These bilateral and multilateral agreements are designed to protect national interests while respecting the rights and aspirations of our healthcare professionals. We call on recipient countries to implement a 1:1 match — training one worker to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker they receive,” Pate added.

Acknowledging the importance of work-life balance, the policy also includes provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, particularly for younger doctors. “These measures aim to create a supportive work environment, reducing burnout and enhancing job satisfaction,” Pate said.