The Federal Government of Nigeria has implemented a ban on leave of absence for health professionals intending to relocate abroad. 

Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health, revealed this directive during his visit to the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, emphasizing that health workers seeking opportunities abroad must resign from their positions before embarking on such journeys.

According to Minister Alausa, the ban stems from an Executive Order issued by President Bola Tinubu as part of efforts to address the challenge of brain drain, commonly referred to as the ‘Japa Syndrome,’ which continues to affect the health sector. President Tinubu’s proactive stance aims to combat the emigration of skilled health professionals, thereby safeguarding Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Furthermore, Minister Alausa announced that the federal government has initiated aggressive recruitment drives within the health sector. 

Notably, the annual enrollment of nurses has been significantly increased from 28,000 to 68,000, with plans to further raise this number to 120,000 by the year’s end. President Tinubu, recognizing the importance of human capital, is committed to bolstering the health sector for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Addressing concerns regarding manpower shortages, the minister reiterated President Tinubu’s directive for massive recruitment efforts to address the gap. He highlighted the challenge of health professionals leaving the country for lucrative opportunities abroad while remaining on the government’s payroll, a practice that the ban aims to curtail.

In response to calls for increased funding, infrastructural development, and improved welfare packages for health workers, Minister Alausa assured stakeholders that the Ministry of Health is dedicated to enhancing the sector’s fortunes.