The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has faulted the Federal Government’s decision to deploy Nigerian doctors to Saint Lucia and other Caribbean nations under a new Technical Manpower Assistance (TMA) agreement, describing it as “inexcusable” given the “deteriorating” working conditions and neglect of medical professionals at home.
“Exporting doctors while undermining their welfare at home is inexcusable,” the NMA said in a statement dated Thursday, July 3, 2025, and signed by its Secretary General, Dr Benjamin Sichey Egbo.
The association expressed “deep concern and dismay” over the government’s move, arguing that it contradicted the reality faced by many Nigerian doctors, who are “struggling with poor remuneration, unpaid allowances, hazardous working conditions, and widespread burnout.”
“This move is a deeply troubling contradiction and an attempt to bolster Nigeria’s international image while failing to meet basic obligations owed to doctors toiling hard within the country,” the statement read.
The NMA said Nigerian doctors had been subjected to “chronic delays” in the payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), non-implementation of previously agreed welfare packages, and inconsistent application of the CONMESS salary structure.
These challenges, the association added, have led to mass emigration of doctors, excessive workloads for those who remain, rising stress levels, and even preventable deaths, all of which contribute to worsening public health outcomes in the country.
Just a day earlier, on Wednesday, the NMA issued a separate 21-day ultimatum to the government to address its demands, including the withdrawal of a controversial circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), resolution of outstanding allowances, and respect for the professional autonomy of Nigerian doctors.
While affirming its support for international collaboration and regional development, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) stated that it is “morally unjustifiable” for the government to export healthcare workers while paying them significantly more than their counterparts serving at home.
The association drew attention to the glaring disparity in earnings between Nigerian doctors deployed abroad and those working within the country.