Tinubu moves to stem health worker migration, boost healthcare system

By Elizabeth Austin, Lagos.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved a comprehensive national policy aimed at curbing health worker migration and encouraging the return of Nigerian healthcare professionals to the country.

According to Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the policy seeks to manage, harness, and reverse health worker migration through attractive incentives and reintegration into the nation’s health system.

The policy includes provisions for:

• Reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure mutual benefits
• Match training to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker received by another country
• Work-life balance measures, including routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours
• Governance oversight by the National Human Resource For Health Program (NHPFH) in collaboration with state governments

This move is expected to boost Nigeria’s healthcare system, reduce brain drain, and create a supportive work environment for healthcare professionals.