President Bola Tinubu has endorsed a new national policy aimed at curbing the migration of health workers from Nigeria. The policy seeks to manage and reverse the exodus of healthcare professionals, a growing concern for the nation’s health sector.
In a statement released on Monday, Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, outlined the comprehensive strategy. The policy not only aims to retain health workers but also encourages the return of Nigerian professionals abroad by offering attractive incentives to reintegrate them into the country’s healthcare system.
“This approach leverages the expertise of our diaspora to bridge gaps within the health sector,” the statement reads.
The policy also promotes reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria. According to Pate, these bilateral and multilateral agreements are designed to protect national interests while respecting the rights and aspirations of healthcare professionals.
“We urge recipient countries to implement a 1:1 match, training one worker to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker they receive,” the minister added.
Recognizing the importance of a supportive work environment, the policy includes provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, especially for younger doctors. These measures are intended to reduce burnout and enhance job satisfaction, making the healthcare profession more sustainable in Nigeria.
The governance of this policy will be overseen by the National Human Resources for Health Program (NHRHP) in collaboration with state governments, ensuring responsible implementation and alignment with broader sector-wide health objectives.
