President Bola Tinubu has described Nigerians living abroad as one of the country’s most valuable resources, pledging fresh measures to strengthen their contributions to the nation’s healthcare sector.
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‎The President made the remarks on Friday during the 2026 National Diaspora Day Celebration and Merit Award Dinner, where he was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
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‎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.”
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‎Tinubu said the theme reflects the goals of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and aligns with its foreign policy pillars of Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora.
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‎According to him, Nigerians abroad have distinguished themselves in medicine, science, technology and innovation across the world, earning global recognition while maintaining strong ties with their homeland.
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‎He noted that their knowledge, professional networks and commitment remain critical assets that can accelerate Nigeria’s development, particularly in the health sector.
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‎The President praised NiDCOM, led by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for fostering stronger engagement between Nigeria and its citizens overseas, describing the commission as a vital link connecting the country with its diaspora community.
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‎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 deploy Nigerian medical professionals abroad for healthcare missions across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
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‎Tinubu acknowledged the support of organisations such as the Nigerian Medical Association, the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Britain, the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, and other partners working to improve healthcare delivery.
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‎As part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between diaspora professionals and local health institutions, the President outlined a five-point strategy aimed at addressing inadequate infrastructure, shortages of healthcare workers and limited access to specialised medical services.
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‎He announced plans to establish a formal platform that will institutionalise the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative, coordinate contributions from Nigerian professionals overseas, provide incentives for those who return to practise or invest in the sector, and ensure accountability through transparent and measurable outcomes.
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‎Calling on Nigerians abroad to contribute to national development, Tinubu said every professional, whether a surgeon in London, a researcher in Boston, a laboratory scientist in China or a nurse in Johannesburg, has an important role to play in building a stronger and more resilient healthcare system.
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‎He expressed confidence that collective efforts would help ensure quality healthcare is accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of location or financial status.
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‎The President also congratulated recipients of the National Diaspora Merit Award and encouraged them to continue projecting Nigeria positively on the global stage.