President Bola Tinubu has urged medical experts across West Africa to develop practical measures to curb the migration of skilled health professionals, otherwise known as japa.
He warned that the trend is putting pressure on already strained healthcare systems.
Tinubu made the call on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, shortly after the West African College of Physicians (WACP) conferred a fellowship on him.
He urged the college to use its forthcoming annual conference to address the persistent brain drain, which he said was limiting access to essential medical services and increasing the workload of available health workers.
Tinubu also cited the Ebola outbreak as a health challenge requiring preventive action and stronger regional preparedness.
“We are more challenged in Africa than anywhere else; you know, and with the outbreak of Ebola now we’re looking for a preventive action that will eliminate all these problems and infections,” Tinubu said.
He pledged continued government support for the medical profession, saying his administration was pursuing health sector reforms to make healthcare more accessible, affordable and efficient.
The president also commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, for driving the reforms.
“We as a government are doing everything possible. Please help me congratulate the reform-oriented physician, Ali Pate, who has been doing a very good job,” he said.
The WACP said it conferred the fellowship on Tinubu in recognition of his administration’s contributions to health sector reforms and medical development in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the college, its President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Ka, said the honour was reserved for presidents who had made significant contributions to healthcare delivery across West Africa.
“This award is given only to presidents who have made a mark in health care delivery and affected the health of the West African people,” Ka said.
The college’s Secretary-General, Prof Musa Dankyau, said the institution had awarded the fellowship only eight times in its 50-year history.
He said former Gambian President Dawda Jawara was the first recipient, while former Nigerian military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, received the honour in 1991.
Dankyau said the college recognised Tinubu’s administration for investments in health infrastructure, emergency care, primary healthcare and universal health coverage.
“At the last count, over $2.2 billion had been invested in that area for the health of the Nigerian people,” he said.
He also cited progress in disease prevention, immunisation and public health preparedness under the administration.
Dankyau said the Minister of Health had recently announced Nigeria’s preparedness to respond to Ebola, which he said had reassured health professionals across the sub-region.
The college informed Tinubu that its 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting would be held from October 26 to 28, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Those at the meeting included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and the Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas, among others.
