Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stressed the need to improve working conditions for Nigerian-trained medical professionals to curb their growing migration abroad.
Mr Obasanjo, who spoke during the commissioning of the upgraded Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Zamfara State on Tuesday emphasised that many doctors and nurses are leaving Nigeria in search of better opportunities overseas—a trend commonly referred to as ‘Japa’.
The term, popular among young Nigerians, captures the widespread exodus driven by the pursuit of economic stability and career growth in countries across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Hosted by Governor Dauda Lawal, the former president insisted that providing healthcare infrastructure alone is not enough.
According to him, governments at all levels must also equip facilities with modern tools and offer competitive salaries to retain medical staff.
He praised the Zamfara State governor for investing in the hospital’s renovation.
He noted, “In a time when countless Nigerian medical professionals are leaving the country for greener pastures, it’s crucial to ask—how do we get them to stay if we don’t offer real incentives?
“We must do better. Our healthcare system depends on skilled personnel, functional equipment, and a conducive environment.”
Mr Obasanjo commended the state’s efforts in integrating all necessary elements to improve healthcare delivery.
Echoing similar concerns, Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), recently described the ‘Japa’ wave as a significant setback not just for Nigeria, but for Africa as a whole.
He noted that the continent has over 465 million people aged between 15 and 35, cautioning that Africa risks turning this youth population into a lost opportunity if it fails to harness their potential through meaningful investments.
“The solution isn’t in Europe or North America,” Adesina said.
“The future of Africa’s youth should be built right here on the continent—with strong economies, innovation, and quality jobs that inspire them to stay and contribute.”
