The Federal Government has initiated a nationwide housing program for doctors, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals as part of its implementation of the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration an effort aimed at countering the “Japa syndrome” and retaining skilled health workers within Nigeria
This move is part of the implementation of the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, which President Bola Tinubu approved in August 2024 to curb the departure of medical staff and boost retention .
President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Professor Bala Audu, informed The PUNCH of the government’s plans to facilitate special mortgage arrangements for healthcare workers, enabling access to affordable homes, vehicles, and other essential assets. The scheme also includes commitments to periodic reviews of salaries, allowances, pensions, and benefits by federal and state authorities.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, emphasized that the policy goes beyond addressing the current exodus. It is, he explained, a broader strategy aimed at harnessing, managing, and reversing health worker migration.
In announcing the “Renewed Hope Medic City,” Professor Audu revealed that affordable housing units will be made available to healthcare personnel, repayable over 20 to 30 years. He described it as an innovative welfare approach that complements ongoing discussions about transportation and salary improvements.
The federal government, working with the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), has also unveiled plans for 10,000 housing units to support the initiative, with construction expected to begin in Abuja and across several state capitals.
The policy also targets underserved communities by offering special incentive packages to medical professionals deployed in rural areas. Furthermore, the government has increased the intake capacity of tertiary institutions to train more doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, radiographers, and other healthcare workers.
Although yield from these interventions may take up to five years to be fully realized, Professor Audu noted that concrete action is essential to prevent the health sector from deteriorating further.
Dr. Tope Osundara, President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, confirmed the housing project is a joint effort between the health and housing ministries. He disclosed that the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has sanctioned the development of a residency village to support doctors in training.
Overall, this housing programme signifies a deliberate effort by the Federal Government not only to stem the tide of outmigration but to improve welfare and living standards for health workers—a foundational step in bolstering Nigeria’s healthcare capacity and resilience.
