President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian medical professionals working abroad to convince their overseas colleagues to return home and assist in driving the country’s national development.
Speaking at the State House on Friday, the President addressed a delegation from the Nigerian Diaspora Medical Associations, led by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Director-General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
The visit coincides with the 2026 National Diaspora Day Celebration, taking place from July 24 to 25 at the State House Conference Centre. Organised by NiDCOM, this year’s event centres on the theme: “Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development.”
Highlighting the vital role overseas medical practitioners play in shaping a sustainable future for the nation, President Tinubu told the delegates:
“Your children will see the foundation of this country as belonging to them, and the future belonging to them is what we are working hard for. Your coming to help is immeasurable.”
Reflecting on his own career trajectory, having trained and worked in accountancy and finance in the United States before returning to Nigeria, Tinubu offered his personal experience as a model for expatriates considering a move back.
“I’ve been through that journey. I’m home, and I can tell you, there’s nowhere like home,” he said. “So many of you have seen the hazards of the other side of the world… and you’ve come back home to feel it and seal it.”
The President urged the visiting doctors to act as advocates for the country and rally their colleagues abroad.
“My friends who are still there, try to attract them home,” Tinubu stated, adding that the most effective way to demonstrate his commitment is through his administration’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, aimed at fostering a better environment, education, and prosperity for all Nigerians.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to social welfare and economic progress, Tinubu maintained a firm stance on tackling domestic hardship.
“Poverty is not acceptable. We won’t accept it. We will fight it. We will bring prosperity. We will bring care to our people,” he said.