Tinubu Calls for Urgent Action on Medical Brain Drain as West African Physicians Honour Him
By Fact Harbour News
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on medical professionals across West Africa to develop practical solutions to the growing migration of healthcare workers abroad, warning that the continued departure of skilled personnel is placing enormous pressure on healthcare delivery across the region.
The President made the appeal on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the State House in Abuja, shortly after receiving an honorary fellowship from the West African College of Physicians (WACP) in recognition of his administration’s contributions to healthcare development and reforms in Nigeria.
Tinubu expressed concern that the movement of doctors, nurses and other medical specialists to countries offering better employment opportunities was creating serious challenges for healthcare institutions, particularly in developing African economies.
According to him, the shortage of qualified medical personnel has continued to affect access to essential healthcare services while increasing the responsibilities of professionals who remain within the system.
He urged the leadership of the West African College of Physicians to use its forthcoming scientific conference to examine the situation and recommend sustainable measures capable of addressing the persistent loss of healthcare professionals.
The President also emphasised the importance of strengthening disease prevention and improving the capacity of African healthcare systems to respond effectively to public health emergencies.
Referring to concerns surrounding Ebola and other infectious diseases, Tinubu encouraged medical experts to prioritise preventive strategies and scientific collaboration to protect communities across the subregion.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to healthcare reforms aimed at making medical services more accessible, affordable and efficient for Nigerians.
Tinubu commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, for his role in implementing the Federal Government’s healthcare transformation agenda.
The President also acknowledged the contributions of medical professionals to scientific research, disease prevention, emergency treatment and the development of stronger healthcare institutions.
Speaking during the ceremony, the President of the West African College of Physicians and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, explained that the fellowship was reserved for heads of state who had demonstrated notable commitment to improving healthcare delivery.
Ka said the recognition was intended to acknowledge leadership efforts that had positively influenced healthcare development and the wellbeing of people across West Africa.
The Secretary-General of the College, Professor Musa Dankyau, disclosed that the honorary fellowship had been awarded only eight times since the institution was established about 50 years ago.
He recalled that former Gambian President Dawda Jawara was the first recipient, while Nigeria’s former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, received the honour in 1991.
Dankyau said the College considered the Tinubu administration’s investments in health infrastructure, primary healthcare, emergency medical services and universal health coverage before deciding to confer the fellowship.
He stated that investments exceeding $2.2 billion had been recorded in areas connected with healthcare development, while also highlighting improvements in immunisation, disease prevention and public health preparedness.
The College further acknowledged the Federal Government’s reported efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s readiness to respond to possible Ebola outbreaks and other emerging infectious diseases.
During the visit, the College informed President Tinubu of its forthcoming 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting, scheduled for October 26 to 28, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
The event is expected to bring together medical specialists, researchers and healthcare policymakers to discuss important challenges affecting medical practice and healthcare delivery across West Africa.
Among senior government officials present at the ceremony were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas.
The development comes amid continuing concerns about the migration of Nigerian healthcare professionals to foreign countries, a situation that has intensified discussions about medical workers’ welfare, working conditions, healthcare funding and the need for long-term strategies to retain skilled personnel.
The President’s appeal places renewed attention on the responsibility of governments, professional associations and healthcare institutions to develop coordinated policies that can strengthen the region’s health workforce and improve access to quality medical services.
The details were contained in a State House press release issued on October 22, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
