The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a new National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, aimed at addressing the ongoing exodus of healthcare professionals from Nigeria.
The approval was announced on Monday by the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, through a post on X. He emphasized that the policy represents a comprehensive strategy to manage, harness, and reverse the migration of health workers.
“This policy is more than just a response to the ongoing exodus of healthcare professionals; it’s a comprehensive strategy to manage, harness, and reverse health worker migration,” Pate stated. “It envisions a thriving workforce that is well-supported, adequately rewarded, and optimally utilized to meet the healthcare needs of all Nigerians.”
The Minister also noted that President Bola Tinubu presided over the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the policy was approved.
According to Pate, the goal of the new policy is to encourage the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals from the diaspora. “By establishing streamlined registration processes and providing attractive incentives, the policy not only encourages the return of our talented professionals but actively reintegrates them into our health system,” he said. “This approach leverages the expertise of our diaspora to bridge gaps within the health sector.”
The policy also advocates for reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria. Pate explained, “These bilateral and multilateral agreements are designed to protect national interests while respecting the rights and aspirations of our healthcare professionals. We call on recipient countries to implement a 1:1 match—training one worker to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker they receive.”
Additionally, the policy includes provisions to improve the work-life balance for healthcare professionals in Nigeria. “Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, the policy includes provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, especially for younger doctors. These measures aim to create a supportive work environment, reducing burnout and enhancing job satisfaction,” the minister stated.
