FG courts Nigerian doctors overseas to bolster health sector
The Nigerian government aims to engage medical professionals in the diaspora to improve local healthcare services through the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative 2026.
The Nigerian government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission led by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has launched the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative 2026 aimed at utilizing the skills of Nigerian medical professionals living abroad. During an event in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the importance of bringing diaspora-based doctors and specialists back to Nigeria to enhance health service delivery in various states across the country. This initiative aims to address the gaps in the healthcare system by leveraging the expertise of Nigerian doctors living overseas.
The Diaspora Health Impact Initiative 2026 will focus on organizing medical interventions and professional training across Nigeria's geopolitical zones, showcasing an innovative approach to address the pressing healthcare challenges faced by the nation. With the estimated annual remittances from the diaspora reaching over $20 billion, the government recognizes the significant yet underutilized potential of these healthcare experts. The initiative aims not just to improve healthcare accessibility but also to foster national development by harnessing global health expertise.
By tapping into the wealth of knowledge and experience possessed by Nigerian healthcare professionals abroad, the Nigerian government seeks to uplift local health systems and enhance outcomes for patients. There is a strong belief that integrating these professionals back into the Nigerian healthcare framework could offer solutions to the continuous challenges faced in the sector, thereby contributing to a more robust and effective healthcare delivery system in the country.