By Benson Daniel
The Federal Government has launched a new initiative aimed at harnessing the expertise of Nigerian healthcare professionals living abroad to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve access to specialized medical services across the country.
The programme, known as the Nigerians in Diaspora Advance Health Programme (NiDAH-P), is designed to transform the migration of Nigerian health workers into a strategic national asset by creating a structured platform for knowledge exchange, specialist medical support, research collaboration and institutional partnerships between diaspora professionals and healthcare institutions in Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, government officials said the initiative aligns with ongoing reforms under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and seeks to improve the quality of healthcare through stronger collaboration among government agencies, development partners, professional bodies and the private sector.
The programme will also feature a digital platform that will enable Nigerian medical professionals abroad to connect with hospitals, teaching institutions and healthcare providers across the country. Through the platform, specialists will be able to participate in medical missions, residency training, mentorship programmes, virtual consultations and continuing professional development for healthcare workers.
The government said the initiative reflects a shift from viewing the migration of health professionals as a challenge to recognising it as an opportunity to strengthen the country’s healthcare system. Officials noted that thousands of Nigerian doctors, nurses and other health professionals have continued to make significant contributions to healthcare systems around the world, and their knowledge and experience can play a vital role in improving healthcare delivery at home.
As part of the programme, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in partnership with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, will commence the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative during the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebrations. The exercise will deploy teams of diaspora medical professionals to various parts of the country to provide specialist medical services, strengthen residency training and support capacity building within health institutions.
Health stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a practical approach to addressing gaps in specialist healthcare while promoting knowledge transfer and long-term institutional development. They expressed optimism that sustained collaboration with Nigerian professionals abroad would enhance medical innovation, improve patient outcomes and strengthen the resilience of the nation’s healthcare system.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment that encourages diaspora professionals to contribute their expertise to national development, describing the initiative as a significant step toward building a more efficient, inclusive and sustainable healthcare system for all Nigerians.
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