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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Health & Science

FG to engage 50,000 diaspora doctors to boost health sector

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Nigeria's government plans to engage over 50,000 diaspora doctors and healthcare professionals to strengthen the local health system.
  • The Diaspora Health Impact Initiative 2026 aims for knowledge transfer, medical outreach, and capacity building through these professionals.
  • The initiative was highlighted during the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration, emphasizing the diaspora's role beyond remittances.

Nigeria's Federal Government is launching the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative 2026 to harness the expertise of more than 50,000 Nigerian doctors and numerous other healthcare professionals living abroad. This initiative aims to significantly bolster the country's health system.

The diaspora remains one of Nigeria’s most strategic assets, serving as a bridge for diplomacy, technology transfer and global partnership well beyond remittances and investment.

— Ambassador Sola EnikanolaiyeThe Minister of State for Foreign Affairs highlighting the value of the Nigerian diaspora.

The plan was a central focus at the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration in Abuja, held under the theme, "Harnessing Global Diaspora Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development." Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, described the Nigerian diaspora as a critical strategic asset, stating the government's determination to utilize their skills beyond financial remittances and investments.

The DHII is designed to facilitate knowledge transfer, specialist medical outreach, capacity building, clinical mentorship, research collaboration, and health workforce development. These interventions are intended to improve healthcare access, enhance service quality, reduce health disparities, and advance universal health coverage across Nigeria. Enikanolaiye stressed that strong health systems are fundamental to economic growth, social stability, and national resilience.

The diaspora remains one of Nigeria’s most strategic assets, serving as a bridge for diplomacy, technology transfer and global partnership well beyond remittances and investment.

— Ambassador Sola EnikanolaiyeThe Minister of State for Foreign Affairs emphasizing the diaspora's role in national development.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), highlighted the commission's progress in moving "from policy to impact." She noted the approval of the National Diaspora Policy 2021 and the appointment of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers. Dabiri-Erewa also reported advancements in the National Diaspora Database and shared successes of the DHII, including medical missions conducted by diaspora physician associations that provided specialized services nationwide.

NiDCOM had moved “from policy to impact” since its establishment, adding that Nigerians in the diaspora now have a stronger voice in government.

— Abike Dabiri-ErewaThe Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM discussing the commission's achievements.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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