Tinubu Calls On Diaspora Doctors To Return and Strengthen Nigeria’s Healthcare System

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals living abroad to return home and help improve the country’s healthcare system as part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President made the appeal on Friday while receiving members of the Nigerian Diaspora Medical Associations Worldwide, led by the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, during the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration at the State House in Abuja.

Tinubu said Nigeria needs the expertise, experience and innovation of its medical professionals abroad to build a stronger and more effective healthcare system.

“There is nowhere like home,” the President said, encouraging the visiting doctors to contribute their knowledge and skills to national development.

He recalled returning to Nigeria after working with Deloitte and Touche and Mobil, saying his decision was driven by a desire to contribute to the country’s growth.

Tinubu said his administration is prioritising healthcare through investments in primary healthcare, medical education, research, digital health infrastructure and improved welfare for health workers. He added that the government is also introducing policies aimed at reducing the migration of healthcare professionals.

The President commended the diaspora doctors for providing free medical services, surgeries and health education across different parts of the country, describing their efforts as a demonstration of patriotism and commitment to humanity.

He also urged them to encourage other Nigerian medical professionals abroad to support the country’s healthcare sector through partnerships, investments, knowledge sharing or permanent return.

Earlier, Dabiri-Erewa said the visiting doctors were eager to contribute to Nigeria’s healthcare development and had already demonstrated their commitment through medical outreach programmes across the country.

She said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda had inspired many Nigerian professionals abroad to reconnect with the country and support national development.

Minister of State for Health, Dr Adekunle Salako, also praised the diaspora medical professionals, describing them as highly motivated and committed to improving healthcare in Nigeria.

He announced that the Ministry of Health would make its collaboration with diaspora healthcare professionals an annual programme to strengthen medical service delivery across the country.