PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has described Nigerians in the Diaspora as one of the country’s greatest assets and drivers of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, stated this on Friday night, July 24, while announcing new policy commitments to institutionalise Diaspora contributions to the country’s healthcare system.
The President, who delivered the keynote speech at this year’s National Diaspora Day Celebrations and Merit Award Dinner, under the theme, ‘Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development,” organised by the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), said the theme aligned with the agenda and the 4Ds- Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora- foreign policy of his administration.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported the President as saying: “Our Diaspora is one of Nigeria’s greatest assets. Across continents, Nigerian professionals have excelled in medicine, science, technology and innovation.
“They have built reputations as some of the finest doctors, researchers and healthcare leaders in the world, yet, beyond their personal success, they remain deeply connected to their homeland.
“Their expertise, their networks, their commitment are invaluable resources for our national development.”
Tinubu commended NiDCOM, under the leadership of Abike Dabiri-Erewa for coordinating Diaspora engagement, describing the Commission as the bridge connecting the country to its sons and daughters abroad.
The President underscored the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative 2026, a joint programme of NiDCOM and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to mobilise Nigerian medical professionals for medical missions across the six geo-political zones.
While acknowledging partner organisations, such as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Medical Association of Nigerians Across Britain, Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, among others, the President gave a five-point plan to bridge Diaspora expertise and local health to address challenges of inadequate infrastructure, shortage of personnel and gaps in specialised care.
Speaking on institutionalising Diaspora health contributions, Tinubu said government would create a platform to institutionalise the Diaspora healthcare Impact Initiative and also coordinate contributions, offer incentives to professionals who return to practice or invest and ensure transparency and measurable impact.
He said: “I call upon every Nigerian in the Diaspora to know that Nigeria, your country, needs you.
“Whether you are a surgeon in London, a researcher in Boston, a lab scientist in China or a nurse in Johannesburg, your skills are vital to building a resilient, inclusive and world-class healthcare system.
“Together, we can ensure that no Nigerian is denied quality healthcare because of geography or poverty. Together, we can make our nation healthier, stronger and more prosperous.”
He congratulated recipients of the National Diaspora Merit Award, scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, urging them to continue making Nigeria proud.
