In a move that has stirred significant controversy, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has strongly criticised the Nigerian government’s decision to deploy doctors to Saint Lucia and other Caribbean nations under a newly established Technical Manpower Assistance (TMA) agreement. The NMA has labelled the policy as “inexcusable” in light of the worsening healthcare conditions and the poor welfare of doctors within Nigeria.
“Exporting doctors while undermining their welfare at home is inexcusable,” the NMA declared in a statement on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Signed by Dr Benjamin Sichey Egbo, the association’s Secretary General, the statement expressed deep concern about the government’s move. According to the NMA, this decision starkly contrasts the reality faced by Nigerian doctors who endure poor pay, hazardous working conditions, and widespread burnout, all of which contribute to an ongoing exodus of medical professionals from the country.
“The situation is troubling. Nigerian doctors are fighting for better working conditions while the government continues to neglect them,” the statement read. The NMA called attention to ongoing issues such as chronic delays in the payment of Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), the failure to implement agreed-upon welfare packages, and inconsistent application of the CONMESS salary structure—issues that have led to excessive workloads, stress, and even preventable deaths.
The situation has been further compounded by a lack of solutions to these long-standing issues, as the association recently issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government to address its demands, which include withdrawing a controversial circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), resolving outstanding allowances, and ensuring respect for the professional autonomy of Nigerian doctors.
The Nigerian Medical Association has also raised concerns about the glaring pay disparity between doctors deployed to Saint Lucia under the TMA agreement and those serving in Nigeria. According to the NMA, doctors in Saint Lucia are paid up to ₦131.7 million annually, far surpassing the ₦40.8 million Nigerian doctors receive from the Nigerian government while deployed abroad. In stark contrast, doctors in Nigeria earn an average of just ₦11.9 million per year. The NMA described this as an “encouragement of brain drain,” a policy that harms Nigeria’s public health outcomes by failing to prioritise the welfare of doctors serving at home.
The Bilateral Agreement and Its Implications
The TMA agreement, which was signed on Wednesday, is part of the Nigerian government’s broader foreign policy agenda to promote South-South cooperation and strengthen ties with the African diaspora in the Caribbean. Under this agreement, Nigerian professionals, including doctors, teachers, and agricultural experts, are expected to serve in Saint Lucia and other Caribbean nations for two years. The Nigerian government will cover the allowances and logistics, while the host nations are responsible for providing accommodation and local support.
Yusuf Buba Yakub, the Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC), signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria. He described the agreement as a significant achievement in fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s directive to provide technical aid to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Over 300 Nigerian professionals have already been deployed to various countries in Africa and the Caribbean since August 2023, with additional volunteers set to depart for Grenada and Jamaica soon.
A Broader Diplomatic Context
The deployment of Nigerian professionals to the Caribbean coincides with President Tinubu’s state visit to Saint Lucia, which is part of a two-nation tour to the Caribbean and South America. During his visit, Tinubu addressed the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly, where he announced a scholarship scheme for students from OECS member states to study at Nigerian universities. The visit also saw Tinubu conferred with the title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (K.C.S.L.) in recognition of his efforts to strengthen Africa-Caribbean relations.
The Path Forward
The NMA’s stance is clear: while international cooperation is welcomed, Nigeria’s doctors should not be neglected at home in the pursuit of foreign diplomacy. The association has continued to advocate for the improved treatment of local medical professionals, whose efforts are critical to addressing the country’s healthcare challenges. The government’s focus, the NMA argues, must shift towards enhancing the welfare of healthcare workers domestically to prevent further deterioration of Nigeria’s public health system.
