President Bola Tinubu has officially signed into law the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, a landmark legislation aimed at curbing the mass emigration of healthcare professionals from Nigeria.
This policy, which has been a subject of significant debate, among other things, legally binds healthcare personnel to remain and work in Nigeria after completing their education, a response to the growing brain drain that has severely impacted the country’s health sector.
The new law is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the critical challenges facing Nigeria’s health and human resources. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, described the policy as a transformative measure designed to overhaul healthcare human resource management in Nigeria.
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“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. It envisions a thriving workforce that is well-supported, adequately rewarded, and optimally utilized to meet the healthcare needs of all Nigerians,” Pate stated.
Pate further elaborated on the policy’s ambitious goals, emphasizing the importance of the Nigeria Human Health Resource Program. This program sets a framework for regular reviews of working conditions, ensuring that health workers, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, receive the recognition and rewards they deserve.
He said by fostering a conducive environment for professional growth and stability, the policy aims to retain top talent within Nigeria’s borders.
The policy also places a strong emphasis on integrating advanced health technologies to enhance the efficiency and equity of healthcare delivery across Nigeria. This includes the implementation of digital health infrastructure such as Electronic Medical Records (EMR), telehealth services, and a comprehensive Health Workforce Registry.
According to Pate, these innovations are crucial for streamlining healthcare delivery and ensuring the equitable distribution of health workers.
“Capacity building is at the heart of this policy,” Pate continued. “It recognizes the importance of continuous professional development, with strategic partnerships and opportunities for international training to equip our healthcare professionals with cutting-edge skills. This investment in human capital underscores our commitment to retaining and empowering our healthcare workforce.”
Reversing the Brain Drain
One of the most critical aspects of the policy is its approach to reversing the brain drain by facilitating the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals from the diaspora. The policy establishes streamlined registration processes and offers attractive incentives to encourage these professionals to return home and contribute to the Nigerian health system.
Pate noted that this approach leverages the expertise of diaspora professionals to fill gaps within the sector.
Additionally, the policy champions reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria. These bilateral and multilateral agreements are designed to protect national interests while respecting the rights and aspirations of Nigerian healthcare professionals.
“We call on recipient countries to implement a 1:1 match—training one worker to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker they receive,” the Minister said.
The move to curb the exodus of Nigerian professionals has been controversial. In 2023, the House of Representatives debated an amendment to the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, which sought to mandate that Nigerian-trained medical professionals work in the country for five years before being granted full licenses.
This proposal, which passed its second reading with intense debate, highlighted the deep divisions on how best to address the healthcare crisis.
Proponents argued that such measures were necessary to ensure that Nigeria retains its trained professionals and improves the availability of quality healthcare within the country. Opponents, however, contended that the focus should be on addressing the root causes of the brain drain, such as poor working conditions and inadequate pay, rather than restricting the rights of medical professionals.
Nigeria’s healthcare system currently faces a severe shortage of medical professionals. It is estimated that Nigeria has only one doctor for every 10,000 patients, a far cry from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of one doctor for every 600 people. Pate revealed in March that about 16,000 doctors have left the country in the past five years, leaving only 55,000 licensed doctors to serve a population of over 200 million.
However, the minister said with the signing of the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration into law, President Tinubu’s administration has taken a decisive step towards securing the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
While the policy aims to address the immediate challenges posed by the mass emigration of healthcare professionals, its success will ultimately depend on its implementation and the broader efforts to improve working conditions and professional opportunities for Nigerian healthcare workers.
Besides catalyzing the transformation of the Nigerian health sector, and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians, Pate said of the new policy: “Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, the policy includes provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, especially for younger doctors. These measures aim to create a supportive work environment, reducing burnout and enhancing job satisfaction.”
What do we even want as a people? You cannot build a great society by shifting responsibilities and blaming everyone else but yourself. If we agree that the lives of Nigerians in Nigeria matter, then we must agree on how they will receive adequate medical care. Please do not start any argument by saying that health workers must be well remunerated, because there’s no profession that accepts poor remuneration.
What is our earning power as a country and what should a fair compensation look like? Is it something we can afford? If yes, can you run the numbers and show how it can be funded? You do not build by destroying, so if you think by constantly giving in to those who are out there to reduce you to rubbles, you will soon learn that no other country works for your own interest.
If we want a working Nigeria where professionals will focus in delivering their services and at the same time living within our means, then we will need to rise to the occasion. Once you blame someone else, you are irresponsible.
Can Nigerians fix Nigeria and treat their own people in Nigeria? If yes, we will have to show it. No one legislates love or patriotism, if it’s not there, it is not there. If you need a law to stop you, then you can’t be here.