President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a landmark policy set to transform healthcare human resource management in Nigeria.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate on Monday announced that the President and the Federal Executive Council has approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, a landmark policy which aims to address the critical challenges facing Nigeria’s health human resources.
In a statement shortly after the FEC meeting, the Minister said that as the AU Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership, the President’s commitment to a resilient and robust healthcare system was powerfully reflected in the forward-looking policy.
“This policy is more than just a response to the ongoing exodus of healthcare professionals; it’s a comprehensive strategy to manage, harness, and reverse health worker migration. It envisions a thriving workforce that is well-supported, adequately rewarded, and optimally utilized to meet the healthcare needs of all Nigerians”, Pate stated.
He explained that central to this vision is the Nigeria Human Health Resource Program, which sets a framework for regular reviews of working conditions, ensuring that health workers, especially in rural and underserved areas, receive the recognition and rewards they deserve. The Minister noted that by fostering an environment conducive to professional growth and stability, the policy aims to retain top talent within Nigeria and stem the popular japa syndrome.
“In an increasingly digital world, integrating advanced health technologies is essential. The policy’s focus on digital health infrastructure—including Electronic Medical Records (EMR), telehealth, and a comprehensive Health Workforce Registry—marks a significant step towards a more efficient, data-driven health system. These innovations will streamline healthcare delivery and enhance the equitable distribution of health workers, ensuring access to quality care for all Nigerians”, the Minister continued.
“Capacity building is at the heart of this policy. It recognizes the importance of continuous professional development, with strategic partnerships and opportunities for international training to equip our healthcare professionals with cutting-edge skills. This investment in human capital underscores our commitment to retaining and empowering our healthcare workforce.
“The policy addresses the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals from the Diaspora. By establishing streamlined registration processes and providing attractive incentives, the policy not only encourages the return of our talented professionals but actively reintegrates them into our health system. This approach leverages the expertise of our diaspora to bridge gaps within the health sector”, Pate added.
RECIPROCAL AGREEMENT INCLUDED IN THE POLICY
The Minister also announced that the policy outlines provisions for bilateral and multilateral agreements that seeks to balance Nigeria’s national interests while also respecting the rights and aspirations of healthcare professionals seeking greener pastures abroad. The provision involves recipient countries committing to train one worker in Nigeria to replace every publicly trained Nigerian health worker they employ from Nigeria.
“Also, the policy champions reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria. These bilateral and multilateral agreements are designed to protect national interests while respecting the rights and aspirations of our healthcare professionals. We call on recipient countries to implement a 1:1 match—training one worker to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker they receive”, the Minister said.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE OF HEALTH WORKERS COVERED IN THE POLICY
The Minister also added that the policy recognises the importance of work-life balance, which is why the policy includes provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, especially for younger doctors. These measures he said, aim to create a supportive work environment, reducing burnout and enhancing job satisfaction for health workers.
According to the Pate, the governance of the new policy will be overseen by the National Human Resources for Health Program (NHRHP) domiciled within the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with state governments. This, he added, ensures responsible implementation and alignment with broader sector-wide (SWAp) health objectives.
The Health Minister expressed confidence that with this decisive action, the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration is set to secure the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“Under Mr. President’s leadership, this policy will further catalyze the transformation of our health sector, ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians”, he added.