President Bola Tinubu has urged medical professionals and the West African College of Physicians to develop practical measures to stem the migration of skilled health workers from Nigeria and other countries in the sub-region.
Tinubu raised the concern on Thursday at the State House in Abuja after receiving an Honorary Fellowship from the college, asking how working conditions could be improved to encourage doctors to practise at home.
“Why are all our professionals moving overseas? What can we do to improve the conditions that will make them do more back home?” he asked.
The President said the departure of medical personnel placed additional pressure on healthcare systems and undermined the delivery of essential services.
He also called for stronger public health measures to tackle disease outbreaks, including Ebola, which has raised concerns across parts of Africa.
“We are more challenged in Africa than anywhere else,” Tinubu said, urging preventive action against infections and reaffirming his commitment to supporting the medical profession.
He said his administration remained committed to health sector reforms aimed at making healthcare more accessible, affordable and efficient.
Tinubu also commended physicians across Africa for their contributions to medical research, disease prevention and life-saving interventions.
The West African College of Physicians conferred the honorary fellowship on the President in recognition of his administration’s health sector reforms and contributions to medical development.
The college’s President and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, said the honour was reserved for presidents who had made significant contributions to healthcare delivery in the sub-region.
Professor Musa Dankyau, the college’s Secretary-General and spokesperson for the delegation, said the fellowship had been awarded only eight times in its 50-year history.
He identified former Gambian President Dawda Jawara as the first recipient and former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, as another recipient in 1991.
Dankyau also cited investments in Nigeria’s health sector, saying more than $2.2bn had been invested in the area, alongside progress in disease prevention, immunisation and public health preparedness.
Those present at the meeting included Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Ali Pate, Information Minister Mohammed Idris and the President’s Special Adviser on Health Matters, Salma Ibrahim Anas.
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