Source: Anthonia Obokoh
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called out the Federal Government over a controversial agreement to deploy Nigerian doctors to Saint Lucia, where they would earn over N40.8 million annually, compared to the N11.9 million currently paid to doctors working within Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu signed the bilateral manpower export deal on Wednesday, authorizing the deployment of skilled Nigerian professionals—including medical workers, teachers, and agricultural experts—to the Caribbean nation.
⚠️ NMA Flags Pay Disparity and Broken Commitments
In a strong statement, the NMA described the deal as “a deeply troubling contradiction.” According to the association, while Nigerian doctors at home continue to face poor pay, inadequate working conditions, and unfulfilled agreements, those posted abroad under the same government would enjoy a 300%+ pay increase—all funded by Nigerian taxpayers.
For context:
- Nigerian doctors in Nigeria earn ₦11.9 million/year
- Nigerian doctors in Saint Lucia will earn ₦40.8 million/year (paid by Nigeria)
- Saint Lucia’s government pays its own doctors ₦131.7 million/year
🧠The Consequences: Burnout and Brain Drain
Egbo highlighted that underpaid and overworked doctors left behind in Nigeria are increasingly suffering from burnout, chronic illness, and stress, with tragic consequences—including death among medical staff and increased mortality rates among patients.
The brain drain in the health sector continues to escalate as many Nigerian doctors migrate abroad for better opportunities, further weakening the already fragile healthcare system.
📢 NMA’s 21-Day Ultimatum and Demands
The NMA has given the Federal Government 21 days (from July 2, 2025) to address several critical issues, including:
- Withdrawal of the controversial NSIWC circular
- Implementation of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF)
- Full adoption of the CONMESS salary structure
- Settlement of outstanding allowances and distortion corrections
- Protection of doctors’ professional autonomy and dignity
“While we support international cooperation, it is morally unjustifiable to pay Nigerian doctors abroad five times more than those serving their own country,” Egbo concluded.
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