The federal government has revealed that close to 10,000 Nigerians gained access to specialist medical services, surgeries, and other healthcare interventions through the 2026 Nigeria Diaspora Health Impact Initiative (NDHII). Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, disclosed this on Saturday at the National Diaspora Merit Award Dinner and closing ceremony of the initiative, held at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja.
Diaspora Medical Teams Deployed Across Six Geopolitical Zones
Salako explained that the programme brought together thousands of Nigerian healthcare professionals living abroad who voluntarily returned to the country to provide specialist care, perform surgeries, mentor local healthcare workers, and support health systems. He described the effort as a demonstration of patriotism and a model for leveraging diaspora expertise to improve Nigeria's healthcare delivery.
According to the minister, diaspora medical teams from organisations based in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Germany, and South Africa delivered medical interventions across all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
Over 2,000 Frontline Workers Trained
Salako noted that the initiative provided medical consultations, specialist surgeries, diagnostic services, telemedicine, sickle cell screening, and other healthcare interventions to nearly 10,000 Nigerians. Additionally, more than 2,000 frontline healthcare workers received training during the programme to strengthen the country's capacity to deliver quality healthcare after the missions ended.
Among the specific achievements highlighted, the minister stated that over 1,000 frontline health workers were trained on the Safer Births Bundle of Care in Kano, Kaduna, and Sokoto states. In Enugu, Imo, and Abia states, more than 4,000 medical consultations and over 500 surgeries were carried out.
Advanced Procedures in Lagos, Edo, FCT, and Nasarawa
In Lagos, advanced interventional radiology, neurosurgery, and endoscopy procedures were performed. Healthcare workers in Edo State received training on ultrasound-based diagnosis of endometriosis. Telemedicine and primary healthcare services were expanded in the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State through the initiative.
Government Plans for Diaspora Engagement
Salako said the federal government would continue to strengthen engagement with Nigerian health professionals abroad by simplifying licensing procedures, facilitating locum arrangements, and supporting customs and visa waivers for medical missions. He added that the government would also encourage diaspora investment in hospitals, diagnostic centres, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Acknowledging the migration of Nigerian health professionals, Salako stated that the Tinubu administration was implementing reforms to improve healthcare financing, infrastructure, workforce welfare, and professional development.
Call to Register on Diaspora Health Portal
The minister urged Nigerian healthcare professionals abroad to register on the newly launched Nigerians in Diaspora Advanced Health Programme (NiDAH) Portal and the Diaspora Health Registry to enable more effective contributions to the country's health sector. He also called for sustained collaboration through telemedicine, digital health, structured training partnerships, joint clinical research, technology transfer, and public-private partnerships.
Salako commended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), state governments, development partners, and members of the joint planning committee for supporting the successful implementation of the initiative.
