The Federal Government has approved a groundbreaking National Policy on Health Workforce Migration aimed at addressing the challenges of healthcare human resources in Nigeria.
Announced by the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, through a post on X, the policy was approved during a Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Pate emphasized that the policy goes beyond merely responding to the ongoing exodus of healthcare professionals; it represents a comprehensive strategy to manage, harness, and reverse health worker migration.
“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 explained. “It envisions a thriving workforce that is well-supported, adequately rewarded, and optimally utilized to meet the healthcare needs of all Nigerians.”
The policy’s primary goal is to encourage the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals from the diaspora. By streamlining registration processes and offering attractive incentives, the policy seeks to attract skilled professionals back to Nigeria, thereby strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
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Additionally, the policy advocates for reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria. The government calls on recipient countries to implement a 1:1 match—training one worker to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker they receive.
In a bid to create a more supportive work environment, the policy also includes provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, particularly for younger doctors. These measures aim to reduce burnout and enhance job satisfaction, ultimately improving the overall quality of healthcare in Nigeria.
