President Bola Tinubu has described Nigerians in the Diaspora as one of the country’s greatest national assets, announcing fresh policy commitments aimed at institutionalising their contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The President made the remarks on Friday night through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who represented him at the 2026 National Diaspora Day Celebrations and Merit Award Dinner.
The event, organised by the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), was themed “Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development.”
Tinubu said Nigerians living abroad remain key drivers of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the theme of the celebration aligns with his government’s 4Ds foreign policy framework—Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.
“Our diaspora is one of Nigeria’s greatest assets. Across continents, Nigerian professionals have excelled in medicine, science, technology and innovation.
“They have built reputations as some of the finest doctors, researchers and healthcare leaders in the world, yet, beyond their personal success, they remain deeply connected to their homeland.
“Their expertise, their networks, their commitment are invaluable resources for our national development,” he said.
The President praised NiDCOM, led by Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for strengthening engagement with Nigerians abroad and serving as a vital link between the country and its citizens across the globe.
He also highlighted the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative 2026, a collaborative programme between NiDCOM and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare designed to mobilise Nigerian medical professionals abroad to participate in medical outreach missions across the nation’s six geopolitical zones.
Tinubu acknowledged the support of several professional organisations, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Britain (MANSAG), and the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), among other partners contributing to the initiative.
To strengthen collaboration between diaspora professionals and Nigeria’s healthcare sector, the President unveiled a five-point strategy aimed at addressing persistent challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, shortages of skilled healthcare workers, and gaps in specialised medical care.
As part of the plan, Tinubu announced that the Federal Government would establish a dedicated platform to institutionalise the Diaspora Healthcare Impact Initiative.
According to him, the platform will coordinate diaspora contributions, provide incentives for professionals willing to return to Nigeria to practise or invest in the health sector, and ensure transparency and measurable outcomes.
“I call upon every Nigerian in the diaspora to know that Nigeria, your country, needs you.
“Whether you are a surgeon in London, a researcher in Boston, a lab scientist in China, or a nurse in Johannesburg, your skills are vital to building a resilient, inclusive, and world-class healthcare system.
“Together, we can ensure that no Nigerian is denied quality healthcare because of geography or poverty. Together, we can make our nation healthier, stronger, and more prosperous,” the President said.
Tinubu also congratulated recipients of the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Award, encouraging them to continue projecting a positive image of Nigeria and contributing to the country’s development.
