President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged medical professionals across West Africa to develop practical solutions to the migration of skilled healthcare workers, warning that the continued exodus is placing healthcare systems in the sub-region under considerable pressure.
Tinubu made the call on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the State House, Abuja, shortly after being conferred with a Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians (WACP).
He urged the college’s leadership to use its forthcoming conference to develop practical and sustainable measures to address the persistent migration of medical professionals from West Africa to other parts of the world.
The President noted that the departure of skilled healthcare workers was limiting access to essential medical services and increasing the workload of personnel remaining in the region.
He challenged the college to explore ways of addressing the problem, which continues to affect the capacity of countries in the sub-region to meet their healthcare needs.
The migration of doctors and other medical professionals has remained a concern for West African countries seeking to retain skilled personnel and strengthen their healthcare systems.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive health sector reforms aimed at making healthcare delivery more accessible, affordable and efficient for Nigerians.
The WACP conferred the fellowship on the President in recognition of what the college described as his contributions and commitment to healthcare reforms and medical development in Nigeria.
The College President and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, said the fellowship was reserved for presidents whose contributions had made a mark on healthcare delivery and the health of people across West Africa.
Professor Musa Dankyau, the WACP Secretary-General and spokesperson for the delegation, said the decision to honour Tinubu reflected the college’s recognition of his administration’s health sector reform efforts.
Dankyau also highlighted investments in Nigeria’s health sector, as well as progress in disease prevention, immunisation and public health preparedness.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Coordinating 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.
