The Federal Government has inaugurated a Technical Working Committee to enhance Nigeria’s healthcare sector by integrating expertise from the diaspora.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa inaugurated the committee on Tuesday in Abuja.
Alausa emphasised that the government’s commitment to leveraging the skills and knowledge of Nigerian healthcare professionals abroad is part of a broader nation-building effort. “The initiative, named the Nigerian Health Professionals in Diaspora Close Engagement Programme, seeks to formalise and scale the contributions of Nigerian healthcare professionals who have been actively involved in medical missions, health education and public health interventions globally,” he said.
The minister highlighted the programme’s goal of creating a platform for mutual learning and collaboration between diaspora health professionals and their counterparts in Nigeria. “This is not just another initiative; it is a visionary project designed to harness the invaluable expertise of our global healthcare workforce. Our aim is not only to improve our healthcare system but also to foster long-term, sustainable engagement,” he underscored.
He also stressed the critical role of the committee in aligning the programme with the needs of Nigeria’s healthcare institutions and the broader health framework. The committee’s terms of reference include coordinating the implementation of the National Health Professionals In Diaspora Plus Engagement Programme, recommending strategies for effective knowledge and skill transfer to Nigerian students and health professionals, and supporting initiatives that provide cutting-edge perspectives in health sciences.
The minister outlined several key responsibilities of the committee, such as identifying workshops for hands-on demonstration, selecting beneficiary health institutions, and integrating interested non-Nigerian and foreign health professionals into the programme. “This initiative is about ensuring that the efforts of Nigerian diaspora health professionals, as well as interested foreign professionals, have a lasting impact on the Nigerian health sector,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, its chairman, Prof. Sydney Ibeanusi remarked that the initiative marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to harness global talents to address local healthcare challenges and build a more resilient health system. He highlighted the importance of collaboration, strategic planning and sustainability in integrating the programme into the national health strategy.
President of the Medical Association of Nigeria, United Kingdom, Dr. Chris Agbo welcomed the development and affirmed their commitment to the strategies and processes involved in improving Nigeria’s healthcare system. President of the Physicians Association of Canada (PACA), Dr. Itua Iriogbe expressed similar sentiments, emphasising their dedication to ensuring that Nigeria’s healthcare system is at the forefront of providing quality care.
President of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA),Dr. Cliff Eke noted that their association, which has been in existence for over 10 years, views this as an opportunity to strengthen its efforts. “Every year, ANPA comes to Nigeria for ANPA Week, where we provide advocacy, education and free healthcare services. We are ready to do all we can,” he said. He also mentioned plans for a convention in Nigeria on November 30th to celebrate their 30th anniversary, seeking the ministry’s support for its actualisation.
President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Dr. Pamela Ajayi highlighted the Federation’s role in addressing brain-drain in the country’s health sector. She detailed ongoing efforts to support both the Ministry of Health and private sector initiatives in combating this challenge. Ajayi emphasised the federation’s initiatives to provide “soft landings” for health professionals returning to Nigeria, whether they aim to work in the public or private sectors. She encouraged both domestic and international health professionals to engage with the Federation to explore opportunities within the country’s healthcare system.
