Nigerian Doctors Seek Better Pay and Protection to Curb Migration

The National Executive Council of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) has called for urgent reforms to salvage Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system.

Speaking on Sunday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the Nigerian Medical Association’s one-week medical year celebration, the National President, Dr. Anas Idris, highlighted major challenges affecting the health sector. These include brain drain, insecurity, unsustainable workloads, and burnout among medical professionals.

While commending President Bola Tinubu for efforts to tackle insecurity, Idris stressed that lasting peace remains essential for a thriving healthcare environment. The association urged the government to intensify security across the country to protect healthcare workers and reduce the emigration of doctors.

The association also demanded the immediate implementation of a revised salary scale and retention allowances for doctors to boost morale and curb migration. They emphasized the need for swift resolution of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), describing it as crucial for restoring trust and stability in the sector.

Dr. Idris further called for comprehensive insurance coverage for doctors to protect them against occupational hazards, including workplace violence, exposure to infectious diseases, and insecurity.

“Having carefully reviewed prevailing conditions, the NAGGMDP resolved that the government must tackle insecurity, which remains central to reversing medical brain drain and stabilising healthcare delivery,” Idris said. “A healthy nation is a wealthy nation.”

The association insisted that no doctor should work under conditions that leave their families vulnerable in the event of untimely deaths. They expressed readiness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to build a sustainable, equitable, and resilient healthcare system.