Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has voiced deep concern over the growing trend of Nigerian doctors migrating abroad, labeling the situation as increasingly alarming. Speaking at the 44th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) held at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Obasanjo emphasized the urgent need for governments at all levels to prioritize the welfare of healthcare professionals to curb the exodus and improve the nation’s healthcare system.

Delivering a keynote address titled “Evolving Roles of Doctors in Healthcare Management and Nation Building,” the former President, represented by FMC’s Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, attributed the ongoing migration of doctors to Nigeria’s current economic challenges. He noted that these conditions are pushing healthcare workers to seek better opportunities abroad.

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“Resident doctors form the foundation of any country’s healthcare services, and Nigeria is no exception,” Obasanjo remarked. “It is crucial that all levels of government provide attractive welfare packages for doctors, without whom it would be impossible to offer meaningful medical services. The rate at which this migration phenomenon, popularly known as the ‘Japa syndrome,’ is affecting our health sector is deeply concerning. Many sub-specialties are now left vacant as specialists continue to leave the country, leaving key offices unable to function.”

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, echoed similar sentiments, urging doctors to also focus on environmental preservation, as 30 percent of global environmental issues stem from medical waste.

Earlier in the event, NARD President Dele Olaitan emphasized the critical role of doctors as the backbone of the healthcare system, calling on his colleagues to maintain the highest standards of care in serving their patients.

This growing concern over the mass migration of doctors continues to shine a spotlight on Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system, urging stakeholders to find solutions to retain talent and improve healthcare delivery across the nation.