Nigeria Launches Diaspora Healthcare Initiative for Development

On Friday, the Federal Government of Nigeria unveiled the Diaspora Healthcare Impact Initiative (DHII) during the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration in Abuja. This initiative aims to utilize the expertise of Nigerian medical professionals living abroad to enhance the country's healthcare system.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced plans to institutionalize the DHII, while Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, advocated for viewing migration as a "brain gain" rather than a "brain drain." Enikanolaiye highlighted that Nigerians in the diaspora remit approximately $21.8 billion annually, surpassing Nigeria's official development assistance. He encouraged the diaspora to invest these funds productively and maintain a positive image of Nigeria.

President Tinubu praised the diaspora as a national asset, noting their significant contributions to global healthcare. He also commended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), led by Hon.

Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for enhancing engagement with citizens abroad and announced plans to expand diaspora medical missions and establish partnerships for knowledge transfer.