Tinubu urges diaspora health workers to return home, support Nigeria’s healthcare system

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerian medical professionals practising abroad to return home and contribute their expertise to the country’s development, assuring them that his administration is committed to creating an enabling environment for them to thrive.

The President made the appeal on Friday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving members of the Nigerian Diaspora Medical Associations. The delegation was led by the Director-General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Addressing the delegation, Tinubu recounted his own experience of studying and working in the United States before returning to Nigeria, saying there is “nowhere like home.”

He recalled working at the Standard Oil Building in Chicago and described his decision to return to Nigeria after his career with Mobil as one driven by a commitment to national development.

“I’ve been through that journey. I’m home, and I can tell you, there’s nowhere like home. I’ve experienced being in America. I’ve taken the best of America in my chosen profession, accountancy and finance,” the President said.

He added that despite the challenges of returning home, he remained committed to helping transform the country.

Tinubu urged the diaspora medical professionals to encourage their colleagues abroad to return and support the nation’s healthcare sector.

“My friends who are still there, try to attract them home. But the best way to demonstrate to you is for me to commit myself to my agenda, the Renewed Hope, so that the hope of Nigerians of having a better environment, better education, better development and prosperity can be realised,” he said.

The President assured the delegation that his administration would continue implementing policies aimed at improving the country’s healthcare system and overall development.

He noted that the government is working to build a future where Nigerian children can enjoy better opportunities, adding that the contributions of diaspora professionals would play a vital role in achieving that goal.

“Your children will see the foundation of this country as belonging to them, and the future belonging to them is what we are working hard for. Your coming to help is immeasurable,” Tinubu said.