By Stellamaries Amuwa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria’s medical diaspora will play a central role in rebuilding the nation’s healthcare system, describing Nigerian professionals abroad as one of the country’s greatest strategic assets for healthcare reform and national development.
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made the declaration while officially opening the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development,” Tinubu said it reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to leveraging the immense capacity of Nigerians in the diaspora for nation-building.
According to him, Nigerian doctors, nurses, scientists, researchers and public health professionals continue to distinguish themselves globally while maintaining strong ties with their homeland.
“Our Diaspora is a source of national pride. Across the world, Nigerian doctors, nurses and public health leaders are saving lives, advancing science and shaping global healthcare. Beyond their personal success, they remain deeply connected to Nigeria. Their expertise, their networks and their commitment are invaluable resources for our national development,” the President said.
Tinubu commended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), under the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for strengthening engagement between Nigeria and its citizens abroad through initiatives that promote investment, knowledge transfer and sustainable development.
He also praised the Diaspora Healthcare Impact Initiative (DHII) 2026, coordinated by NiDCOM in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, for successfully bringing together Nigerian medical professionals from across the world to support healthcare delivery nationwide.
The President expressed appreciation to professional medical associations and development partners supporting the initiative, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain (MANSAG-UK), Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), Nigerian Medical Association Germany, Nigerian-Australian Medical and Dental Association (NAMDA), Concerned Medics Foundation (CMF-UK), Nigerian Doctors Forum South Africa, Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists (CANPAD), National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America (NANNNA), Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association UK (NNCAUK), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), state governments, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the private sector and other stakeholders whose contributions ensured the success of medical outreach missions conducted across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
Tinubu further acknowledged NiDCOM’s flagship programmes, including the National Diaspora Day Celebration, National Diaspora Merit Award (NDMA), Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), Diaspora Data Mapping Scheme, NiDCOM Youth Empowerment Summit and the Badagry Door of Return initiative.
He described the programmes as strategic platforms that have strengthened Nigeria’s engagement with its global citizens while projecting a positive image of the country on the international stage.
According to the President, the initiatives are in line with his administration’s 4-D Foreign Policy framework—anchored on Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora—which forms a key pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at accelerating national development through stronger partnerships with Nigerians living abroad.
