Stakeholders at the 2026 National Diaspora Day (NDD) celebration have called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and its medical professionals in the diaspora as part of efforts to transform the country’s healthcare system and improve access to quality medical services.
The call was made on Saturday in Abuja during the National Diaspora Day celebration, where lawmakers, diplomats, international development partners and government agencies underscored the critical role of Nigerians abroad in supporting national development through healthcare expertise, innovation and investment.
The event, organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), was held under the theme, “Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development.” It highlighted the importance of knowledge transfer, mentorship, research, telemedicine and strategic partnerships in addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Aniekan Bassey, represented by Senator Anthony Yari, said Nigeria must deliberately strengthen collaboration with its medical professionals abroad to bridge healthcare gaps and improve service delivery.
He advocated sustained partnerships through research, telemedicine, mentorship programmes and targeted investments, while applauding Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals in the diaspora for their continued contributions to the country’s health sector.
Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Chinedu Tochukwu Okere, described Nigeria’s medical diaspora as an invaluable national resource whose international exposure and expertise can significantly strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
According to him, government should implement policies that encourage greater diaspora participation, while urging medical professionals abroad to collaborate with local health institutions, register with relevant professional bodies and volunteer their services to support healthcare delivery.
Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Miriam Morales Palmero, highlighted the enduring diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Cuba, noting that expanding cooperation in healthcare, education and capacity building would contribute to sustainable national development.
She stressed that stronger bilateral partnerships would not only improve healthcare outcomes but also enhance professional training and institutional development.
Deputy Chief of Mission at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria, Mr. Amr Taha, described the celebration as an important platform for recognising the impact of diaspora communities on national development.
He noted that migrants account for about 3.5 per cent of the world’s population while contributing over 10 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), adding that Nigeria’s medical diaspora continues to make significant contributions beyond financial remittances through skills transfer and healthcare support.
Taha reaffirmed IOM Nigeria’s commitment to promoting effective migration governance and supporting initiatives that maximise the developmental impact of migration.
European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, commended NiDCOM for introducing the Diaspora Health Initiative (DHII), describing it as a strategic response to some of the country’s healthcare challenges.
he said these challenges should be viewed as opportunities to leverage the expertise and experience of Nigerian medical professionals living abroad.
Head of Office of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Isabelle Wolfsgruber, noted that diaspora engagement extends beyond healthcare, insisting that Nigeria has no shortage of talent.
She said the real challenge lies in developing effective policies and partnerships capable of converting available expertise into measurable and sustainable national impact, while advocating closer collaboration among government institutions, diaspora professionals, the private sector and development partners.
Several speakers also applauded the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for her sustained efforts in strengthening engagement with Nigerians abroad and creating platforms that encourage them to contribute to national development.
