FG to Ease Licensing for Diaspora Health Professionals

On Saturday, at the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Award and Closing Ceremony of the Nigeria Diaspora Health Impact Initiative (NDHII) in Abuja, Dr Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, announced the Federal Government's commitment to removing barriers for Nigerian health professionals abroad. The government plans to simplify licensing procedures, facilitate temporary practice arrangements, and expand investment opportunities for these diaspora experts.

Salako emphasized that the diaspora should be seen as strategic partners in rebuilding Nigeria's health sector rather than merely a source of "brain drain." He noted that numerous healthcare professionals from countries including Canada, the UK, Germany, Australia, South Africa, and the US returned to Nigeria to provide medical services, conduct surgeries, and train local health workers. He highlighted the significant impact of diaspora medical teams across various states, including training over 1,000 healthcare workers and performing thousands of medical consultations and surgeries.