The Federal Government has labeled a bill under consideration by the National Assembly as "unworkable," which aims to limit the migration of Nigerian doctors to countries perceived as offering better opportunities.
During a press briefing after an extraordinary Federal Executive Council meeting led by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the State House in Abuja, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, expressed this viewpoint. Ngige stated that the bill contradicts existing labor laws.
The bill, titled "A Bill for an Act to amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap. M379, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004," is sponsored by a member of the House of Representatives from Lagos State, Ganiyu Johnson. Its objective is to curb the mass exodus of medical practitioners from the country by mandating that Nigeria-trained doctors practice within Nigeria for a minimum of five years before obtaining a full license.
In response to this development, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors announced their intention to embark on a five-day warning strike, strongly opposing any attempt to "enslave" Nigerian doctors. They demanded a 200 percent increase in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), immediate implementation of CONMESS, domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act, review of hazard allowance by all state governments and private tertiary health institutions where residency training takes place, and other related demands.