President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals living abroad to return home and contribute their expertise to strengthening the country’s healthcare system, saying Nigeria needs their knowledge, innovation and commitment to improve medical services nationwide.
The President made the appeal while receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Diaspora Medical Associations Worldwide at the State House in Abuja during activities marking the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration.
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Tinubu told the visiting medical practitioners that despite the opportunities available overseas, there was no better place to make a lasting impact than in their homeland. Drawing from his own experience of studying and working in the United States before returning to Nigeria, he said the decision to come back had enabled him to participate in national development.
According to the President, the Renewed Hope Agenda places healthcare at the heart of Nigeria’s development strategy. He said his administration is implementing reforms aimed at revitalising primary healthcare, improving access to quality medical services and creating an environment that encourages highly skilled Nigerians abroad to return and serve.
Tinubu acknowledged the sacrifices made by members of the diaspora medical community who had recently organised medical outreaches across different parts of Nigeria. He described their humanitarian efforts as evidence of patriotism and urged them to encourage more colleagues overseas to participate in rebuilding the nation’s health sector.
He assured the delegation that the Federal Government would continue investing in health infrastructure, manpower development and policy reforms to make the sector more attractive for professionals.
Director-General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the doctors for choosing to give back to their country despite their successful careers abroad. She said many of them were motivated by the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and pledged the commission’s continued support in linking diaspora professionals with opportunities at home.
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Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, also praised the initiative, describing the returning professionals as valuable partners in implementing the Renewed Hope National Healthcare Delivery Master Plan.
The meeting formed part of broader government efforts to strengthen collaboration with Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare, education and technology.
Observers say the renewed appeal comes amid continued concerns over the migration of Nigerian health workers, with authorities hoping that improved policies and investment will encourage more professionals to return and contribute to the country’s medical transformation.

