President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to Nigerian medical doctors and other healthcare professionals in the diaspora to return home and contribute their expertise to the ongoing transformation of the nation’s healthcare sector, saying the country needs their knowledge and experience to build a world-class health system.
President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian healthcare professionals living and working abroad to return home and play a greater role in strengthening the country’s healthcare system under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President made the appeal while receiving members of the Nigerian Diaspora Medical Associations Worldwide, led by the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at the State House in Abuja during activities marking the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration.
‘There’s Nowhere Like Home’
Addressing the delegation, Tinubu praised the commitment of Nigerian doctors abroad who continue to support medical outreach programmes back home despite practising overseas.
He stressed that Nigeria requires the innovation, expertise and patriotism of its skilled professionals to build a resilient, efficient and globally competitive healthcare system.
According to the President:
“There’s nowhere like home.”
He thanked the visiting medical professionals for their willingness to contribute to healthcare delivery in Nigeria and encouraged more Nigerians abroad to return and serve the country.
Government Promises Support
Tinubu assured the delegation that his administration would continue implementing policies designed to improve the health sector and create an environment where returning professionals can contribute effectively.
He also pledged institutional support for partnerships between diaspora medical associations and healthcare institutions across Nigeria.
Diaspora Doctors Reaffirm Commitment
Members of the Nigerian Diaspora Medical Associations reportedly reaffirmed their commitment to supporting healthcare development in Nigeria through medical missions, training programmes, specialist services and knowledge transfer.
The engagement forms part of broader government efforts to harness the expertise of Nigerians abroad for national development.
Brain Drain Remains a Challenge
The President’s appeal comes amid continued concerns over the migration of Nigerian health workers to countries offering better remuneration and working conditions.
Recent reports indicate that thousands of Nigerian doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals have relocated abroad in recent years, leaving significant manpower gaps in the country’s health sector.