President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared Nigeria’s medical diaspora central to rebuilding the nation’s healthcare system.
According to him, the professionals abroad are one of the Nigeria’s greatest strategic assets.
The President stated this on Friday, July 25, 2026, at the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration in Abuja. He was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
This year’s theme, “Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development,” the President said, reflected the Renewed Hope Agenda’s vision of leveraging Nigerians in the Diaspora for nation-building.
“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,” President Tinubu said.
“Beyond their personal success, they remain deeply connected to Nigeria. Their expertise, their networks and their commitment are invaluable resources for our national development.”
In a statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols
NiDCOM, he commended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, led by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for strengthening engagement with citizens abroad through programmes that promote investment, knowledge transfer and sustainable development.
The President applauded the Diaspora Healthcare Impact Initiative, DHII 2026, coordinated by NiDCOM in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, for mobilising Nigerian medical practitioners worldwide to support healthcare delivery across the country.
He disclosed that the Federal Government will institutionalise 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.
President Tinubu also acknowledged medical associations and partners supporting the initiative, including NMA, MANSAG-UK, ANPA, NAMDA, NANNNA, CANPAD, NNCAUK, IOM, state governments, the FCT, and the private sector, for medical missions conducted across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
Acknowledging challenges in the health sector — inadequate infrastructure, shortages of skilled personnel, research gaps, limited specialised care and policy inconsistencies — the President said these can be overcome through stronger collaboration with the Diaspora.
“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,” he said.
He further highlighted NiDCOM’s flagship initiatives — National Diaspora Day, National Diaspora Merit Award, Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, Diaspora Data Mapping Scheme, NiDCOM Youth Empowerment Summit, and the Badagry Door of Return — as strategic programmes aligning with the administration’s 4-D Foreign Policy of Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora.
President Tinubu also congratulated recipients of the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Award and urged them to continue making Nigeria proud globally.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, he said the brilliance, innovation and patriotism of Nigerians in the Diaspora remain indispensable to sustainable national development and improving quality of life for all Nigerians.