Tinubu Vows to Curb Doctors’ Japa, Calls for Better Conditions to Bring Nigerian Medics Home.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to intensify efforts to curb the migration of Nigerian medical professionals abroad and encourage skilled doctors to return home, as the Federal Government seeks to address persistent healthcare workforce shortages.

The President made the commitment on Monday, October 26, while addressing the 50th anniversary celebration and annual general and scientific meeting of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) in Abuja. He was represented at the event by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.

Tinubu said the government would work towards reversing the trend popularly known as japa by creating conditions that would encourage healthcare professionals to remain in Nigeria or return from abroad to contribute to the country’s healthcare system.

“We will work hard to stem the trend of ‘japa’ so that we have ‘japada’ people coming back to serve in our region,” the President said.

The pledge comes amid growing concerns about the migration of Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals to countries offering potentially better remuneration, working conditions, career development opportunities and access to advanced medical facilities.

FG Reports Recruitment of Over 30,000 Health Workers

According to the President, the Federal Government has recruited more than 30,000 healthcare professionals into federal health facilities over the past two and a half years.

He said the recruitment drive forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s health workforce, expand access to quality medical services and improve healthcare delivery.

Tinubu also highlighted investments in specialist medical training, primary healthcare, health infrastructure and expanded health insurance coverage as key components of the administration’s healthcare reforms.

He further noted that the government had supported the training of thousands of frontline health workers and increased quotas for medical education to strengthen the country’s capacity to produce qualified professionals.

However, retaining trained personnel remains a major challenge for Nigeria’s healthcare sector, as the departure of experienced doctors can increase workloads for remaining staff and place additional pressure on hospitals and other medical facilities.

WACP Urged to Help Address Medical Brain Drain

The President called for stronger collaboration between governments, professional medical associations, training institutions and other stakeholders to develop practical solutions to healthcare workforce migration.

He emphasised the importance of postgraduate medical education, specialist training and a supportive professional environment in encouraging medical practitioners to build their careers within Nigeria and the wider West African region.

The WACP’s golden jubilee conference provides a platform for physicians, researchers and health policymakers to examine challenges affecting medical education, workforce retention and healthcare delivery.

The college, established in 1976 by five English speaking West African countries, has played a role in postgraduate medical training and the development of specialist physicians across the sub-region.

At the conference, WACP officials highlighted the importance of expanding specialist training and strengthening regional cooperation to address shortages of qualified medical personnel.

Better Working Conditions Remain Central to Retaining Doctors

Efforts to reverse medical brain drain will depend not only on recruitment and training but also on whether healthcare professionals have sufficient reasons to remain in the country or return from abroad.

Issues surrounding remuneration, workplace safety, access to medical equipment, professional development, staffing levels and reliable healthcare infrastructure remain important considerations in discussions about medical workforce retention.

In previous remarks, Tinubu urged Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora to return home and contribute their expertise to national development. During a meeting with members of Nigerian Diaspora Medical Associations Worldwide in July 2026, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare through investment, improved welfare and collaboration with professionals abroad.

The administration has also encouraged diaspora doctors to support Nigeria through knowledge exchange, partnerships, medical outreach programmes and, where possible, permanent relocation.

Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these efforts will depend on the implementation of policies that address the factors influencing healthcare professionals’ decisions to leave or remain in the country.

Digital Innovation and Regional Health Cooperation

Beyond workforce retention, Tinubu called for the responsible adoption of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve healthcare management, patient records, disease surveillance and clinical decision-making.

He also advocated stronger regional cooperation in disease prevention and emergency preparedness, particularly in responding to infectious disease outbreaks.

The President stressed the importance of sustained investment in public health systems, laboratory networks and cross border collaboration to strengthen disease surveillance and protect communities across West Africa.

As Nigeria continues to confront healthcare workforce challenges, the government’s latest pledge places renewed attention on the need to retain skilled professionals while creating pathways for qualified doctors abroad to contribute to the country’s health sector.

For Obaland Magazine, the central question is how these commitments will translate into measurable improvements in working conditions, healthcare staffing and the retention of medical professionals across Nigeria.