FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to retain its medical workforce by providing improved working conditions and incentives to discourage mass migration abroad, commonly referred to as ‘Japa’.
Speaking during the commissioning of the newly renovated Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Zamfara State, Obasanjo, who was hosted by Governor Dauda Lawal, lamented the increasing number of Nigerian-trained doctors and nurses leaving the country in search of better opportunities overseas.
“It is not enough to build health centres,” Obasanjo said. “Governments at all levels must ensure these facilities are equipped and that health workers are properly motivated through adequate remuneration and conducive work environments.”
He commended Governor Lawal for upgrading the hospital infrastructure and underscored the importance of equipping such facilities with both modern equipment and qualified personnel.
“Our hospitals must be able to deliver. That means you need the right infrastructure, the right tools, and the right people—and those people need incentives to stay,” he stated.
The former president’s comments echo recent concerns expressed by Akinwumi Adesina, outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Adesina described the ‘Japa’ trend as a significant loss for Africa, highlighting the continent’s failure to harness its demographic advantage.
“With over 465 million young people between the ages of 15 and 35, Africa must invest in youth and their ideas. The future of African youth should be built within Africa—not in Europe, America, or Asia,” Adesina warned.
The growing exodus of Nigerian medical professionals has sparked concern across the health sector, with resident doctors in several regions recently embarking on strike actions to protest poor working conditions and lack of adequate support.
Obasanjo’s call adds to the chorus of voices demanding systemic reforms aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure and retaining skilled professionals critical to the country’s development.