President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a new Diaspora health initiative aimed at mobilising Nigerian medical professionals abroad to strengthen the country’s healthcare system and drive national development.
President Bola Tinubu has described Nigerians in the Diaspora as one of the nation’s greatest assets, unveiling new policy commitments aimed at institutionalising their contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The President made the remarks on Friday night during the 2026 National Diaspora Day Celebrations and Merit Award Dinner, where he was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The event, organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), was themed “Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development.”
Tinubu said Nigerians living abroad remain key drivers of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the theme of the event aligns with his government’s 4D Foreign Policy of Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora.
According to the President, Nigerian professionals across the world have distinguished themselves in medicine, science, technology and innovation while maintaining strong ties with their homeland.
He said their expertise, professional networks and commitment represent invaluable resources for Nigeria’s national development.
Tinubu commended NiDCOM, led by Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for strengthening engagement with Nigerians abroad and serving as a bridge between the country and its citizens across the globe.
The President highlighted the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative 2026, a collaborative programme between NiDCOM and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, designed to mobilise Nigerian medical professionals abroad for medical outreach missions across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
He also acknowledged the contributions of partner organisations, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Britain (MANAB) and the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA).
As part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, Tinubu unveiled a five-point plan aimed at bridging the gap between diaspora medical expertise and local healthcare needs, particularly in addressing inadequate infrastructure, manpower shortages and limited specialised care.
A key component of the initiative is the establishment of a national platform to institutionalise diaspora healthcare contributions, coordinate interventions, provide incentives for professionals willing to return or invest in Nigeria, and ensure transparency and measurable impact.
The President urged Nigerians abroad to actively participate in the initiative regardless of where they practise.
He said doctors, researchers, laboratory scientists and nurses across the world all have vital roles to play in building a resilient, inclusive and world-class healthcare system in Nigeria.
Tinubu expressed confidence that stronger collaboration with the Diaspora community would improve access to quality healthcare and contribute to a healthier and more prosperous nation.
He also congratulated recipients of the National Diaspora Merit Award, scheduled to be presented on Wednesday, and encouraged them to continue projecting Nigeria positively on the global stage.
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