“We’ll Work Hard To Stem The Trend Of Japa So We’ve People Coming Back To Serve In Our Region–BAT

According to a report by Punch, on Monday, October 26, 2026, President Bola Tinubu has pledged to intensify efforts to address the migration of Nigerian medical professionals abroad, saying the Federal Government will work to encourage them to return and serve the country.

The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening disease surveillance and regional cooperation to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including Ebola, amid the ongoing outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain in parts of Africa.

Tinubu made the statements on Monday in Abuja through the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, at the opening and induction ceremony of the 50th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the West African College of Physicians.

The event marked the college’s golden jubilee and brought attention to issues affecting healthcare delivery, medical training and regional public health cooperation.

The President said the government recognised the importance of retaining skilled healthcare professionals and intended to take steps to reverse the trend of medical personnel leaving Nigeria for opportunities abroad.

Tinubu expressed concern about the continued migration of Nigerian medical professionals in search of better working conditions, improved remuneration and career development opportunities in other countries.

He said the Federal Government would intensify efforts to encourage qualified healthcare workers to return and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s health sector.

The migration of doctors and other medical professionals has remained a major concern for healthcare delivery, particularly because the departure of experienced personnel can place additional pressure on hospitals and other medical facilities.

The President’s statement highlighted the government’s intention to address the situation by encouraging professionals to return and serve in Nigeria and the wider West African region.

He maintained that retaining skilled personnel was important for strengthening healthcare services and ensuring that countries in the region had the workforce needed to respond to the medical needs of their populations.

The President also emphasised the importance of strengthening disease surveillance and cooperation among West African countries to prevent and respond to infectious disease outbreaks.

His remarks came amid the ongoing outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in parts of Africa, highlighting the need for effective monitoring and coordination among public health authorities.

Disease surveillance allows health officials to identify potential infections, monitor transmission and respond quickly when outbreaks occur.

Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with regional partners to strengthen these systems and improve preparedness for public health emergencies.

He stressed the importance of collaboration in addressing infectious diseases that can cross national borders, requiring countries to share information and coordinate their responses.

The government’s stated position placed regional cooperation alongside the need to retain medical professionals as important considerations for improving public health preparedness.

Tinubu delivered the remarks through Professor Ali Pate at the opening and induction ceremony of the West African College of Physicians’ 50th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Abuja on Monday.

The gathering marked 50 years of the college’s activities and provided a platform for discussions concerning medical practice, professional development and healthcare challenges across West Africa.

The event also highlighted the role of medical professionals and professional institutions in strengthening health systems throughout the region.

By addressing the migration of healthcare workers and the threat posed by infectious diseases, the President drew attention to issues that require sustained cooperation between governments, medical institutions and healthcare professionals.

His message underscored the need for countries to retain skilled personnel while improving their ability to detect and manage public health threats.

The Federal Government’s commitment to encouraging medical professionals to return to Nigeria formed a central part of the President’s message at the event.

Tinubu said efforts would be made to stem the movement of skilled workers abroad and attract professionals back to the country and the wider region.

His remarks addressed concerns about the availability of doctors and other healthcare workers needed to provide medical services to growing populations.

The government also reiterated its support for regional collaboration to strengthen disease surveillance and prevent the spread of infections, including Ebola.

These priorities were raised at a gathering of physicians from across West Africa, where professional training, healthcare capacity and public health preparedness were central to the event.

The President maintained that Nigeria would continue working towards improving the conditions needed to support healthcare professionals and strengthen cooperation with neighbouring countries.

Speaking through Pate at the ceremony in Abuja, Tinubu acknowledged the importance of addressing the migration of medical professionals and encouraging them to return to the region to contribute their expertise.

He said the government would work to reverse the trend as part of efforts to strengthen the availability of skilled healthcare personnel in Nigeria and West Africa.

The President’s remarks came as health authorities continued to emphasise the importance of regional coordination in responding to infectious diseases and improving healthcare delivery.

He said, “We will work hard to stem the trend of Japa so that we have the people coming back to serve in our region,” Tinubu said, referring to the migration of skilled professionals in search of better working conditions and opportunities abroad.

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