Tinubu Approves National Policy On Health Workforce Migration
President Bola Tinubu has given the green light to a new national policy aimed at addressing the migration of health workers from Nigeria.
In a statement released on Monday, Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, outlined that the policy is designed as a comprehensive strategy to manage, harness, and reverse the trend of health worker migration. The policy is also intended to encourage the return of Nigerian healthcare professionals through attractive incentives and reintegrate them into the country’s health system.
“This approach leverages the expertise of our diaspora to bridge gaps within the health sector,” the statement reads.
The policy further emphasizes the importance of reciprocal agreements with other nations, ensuring that the exchange of health workers also benefits Nigeria. The minister highlighted that these bilateral and multilateral agreements are crafted to protect Nigeria’s interests while respecting the rights and ambitions of healthcare professionals.
Pate called on recipient countries to implement a “1:1 match” policy—training one health worker to replace each publicly trained Nigerian worker they receive.
Additionally, the policy acknowledges the importance of work-life balance, including provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, particularly for younger doctors. These measures aim to foster a supportive work environment, reducing burnout and enhancing job satisfaction.
The implementation of this policy will be overseen by the National Human Resources for Health Program (NHRHP) within the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with state governments. This governance structure is designed to ensure responsible implementation and alignment with broader sector-wide health objectives.
“With this decisive action, the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration is set to secure the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system,” Pate added.
Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the policy is expected to catalyze significant transformation in the health sector, aiming to ensure quality healthcare access for all Nigerians. All stakeholders are encouraged to contribute to building a healthcare system that reflects Nigeria’s potential and promise.
