Nigerian Diaspora strategic partner in healthcare reform, national development – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria’s medical diaspora will play a central role in rebuilding the nation’s healthcare system, describing Nigerian professionals abroad as one of the country’s greatest strategic assets.

Represented by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to Government of the Federation while declaring open the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration in Abuja.

The President said this year’s theme, “Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development,” reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda’s vision of leveraging the immense capacity of Nigerians in the Diaspora for nation-building.

Describing the Nigerian Diaspora as one of the nation’s greatest assets, President Tinubu noted that Nigerian doctors, nurses, scientists, researchers, and public health professionals continue to distinguish themselves globally while remaining deeply committed to the development of their homeland.

“Our Diaspora is a source of national pride. Across the world, Nigerian doctors, nurses and public health leaders are saving lives, advancing science and shaping global healthcare. Beyond their personal success, they remain deeply connected to Nigeria. Their expertise, their networks and their commitment are invaluable resources for our national development.”

The President commended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), led by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for its efforts in strengthening engagement between Nigeria and its citizens abroad through programmes that promote investment, knowledge transfer and sustainable development.

He also applauded the Diaspora Healthcare Impact Initiative (DHII) 2026, coordinated by NiDCOM in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, for successfully bringing together Nigerian medical practitioners worldwide to support healthcare delivery across the country.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to professional medical associations and partners supporting the initiative, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain (MANSAG-UK), Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), Nigerian Medical Association Germany, Nigerian-Australian Medical and Dental Association (NAMDA), Concerned Medics Foundation (CMF-UK), Nigerian Doctors Forum South Africa, Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists (CANPAD), National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America (NANNNA), Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association UK (NNCAUK), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), state governments, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the private sector and other stakeholders whose contributions ensured the success of the medical missions conducted across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.

The President further acknowledged NiDCOM’s flagship initiatives—including the National Diaspora Day Celebration, National Diaspora Merit Award (NDMA), Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), Diaspora Data Mapping Scheme, NiDCOM Youth Empowerment Summit and the Badagry Door of Return—describing them as strategic programmes that have strengthened Nigeria’s engagement with its global citizens while projecting a positive image of the country internationally.

He noted that these initiatives align with the administration’s 4-D Foreign Policy anchored on Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora, under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Acknowledging the challenges confronting Nigeria’s healthcare sector—including inadequate infrastructure, shortages of skilled personnel, research gaps, limited specialised care and policy inconsistencies—the President maintained that these challenges can be overcome through stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Diaspora.

President Tinubu also disclosed that the Federal Government will institutionalise the Diaspora Healthcare Impact Initiative (DHII) by creating a structured platform to coordinate Diaspora healthcare contributions, provide incentives for medical professionals who return to practice or invest in Nigeria and ensure transparency and measurable impact.

He called on Nigerians abroad to continue contributing to national development, the President urged them to deploy their expertise in building a resilient and world-class healthcare system.

“Whether you are a surgeon in London, a researcher in Boston, a laboratory scientist in China or a nurse in Johannesburg, your skills are vital to building a resilient, inclusive and world-class healthcare system in Nigeria.”

President Tinubu also congratulated recipients of the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Award, urging them to remain steadfast in their commitment to excellence and continue making Nigeria proud across the globe.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to harnessing the brilliance, innovation and patriotism of Nigerians in the Diaspora, President Tinubu said their contributions remain indispensable to achieving sustainable national development and improving the quality of life of all Nigerians.