The Federal Government has expressed its disapproval of a bill currently under consideration in the National Assembly, which aims to limit the migration of Nigerian doctors to countries perceived as offering better opportunities.
Senator Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment, voiced this stance during a press briefing after an extraordinary Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja.
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,” proposes that Nigerian-trained medical and dental practitioners must practice in Nigeria for a minimum of five years before obtaining a full license.
The objective behind the bill, put forth by Ganiyu Johnson, a member of the House of Representatives from Lagos State, is to address the significant exodus of medical professionals from the country.
However, Minister Ngige highlighted that the bill contradicts existing labor laws and emphasized that it cannot prevent doctors from obtaining a full license.
He clarified that the bill is a private member’s bill and not an executive bill, expressing his strong opposition to its implementation.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has announced plans to initiate a five-day warning strike, protesting perceived attempts to hinder medical and dental graduates from practicing for five years before receiving a practicing license.
The association has also called for a 200% increase in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, the implementation of the Medical Residency Training Act, and the review of hazard allowances by state governments and private tertiary health institutions.
Minister Ngige stated that ongoing negotiations with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) render the strike unnecessary, as the NMA represents the interests of all doctors in the country.
He highlighted that the NMA had already accepted a salary increase of 25-30% across the board for its members, raising questions about the demand for a 200% salary increase from certain members.
Additionally, the Federal Executive Council has approved the universal implementation of the Employee Compensation Act 2010, which replaces the previous Workmen Compensation Act.
The Act, operated by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, ensures that workers who sustain injuries, accidents, diseases, disabilities, or fatalities during work receive proper compensation.
However, the Act does not currently provide for the education of affected children beyond a certain age.
This move toward universal implementation reflects Nigeria’s commitment to workers’ protection in line with the principles outlined in the International Labour Organization’s Convention 102.
In summary, the Nigerian government opposes the proposed bill restricting doctors’ migration, engages in dialogue with the NMA, and approves the universal implementation of the Employee Compensation Act, enhancing workers’ protection and compensation rights.