The Federal Government has expressed its opposition to a bill currently under consideration by the National Assembly, which aims to restrict the migration of Nigerian doctors to other countries. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, stated that the bill is “unworkable” and contradicts existing labor laws. The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act,” proposes that Nigerian-trained medical and dental practitioners must practice in Nigeria for a minimum of five years before being granted a full license to practice elsewhere. Its sponsor, Ganiyu Johnson, believes this will address the mass exodus of doctors from the country.
In response to the bill, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors threatened to embark on a five-day warning strike, opposing any attempt to “enslave” Nigerian doctors. They also demanded a 200 percent increase in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, the immediate implementation of the Medical Residency Training Act, and improvements in hazard allowances, among other requests.
However, Minister Ngige argued against the bill, stating that it is a private member’s bill and does not have the support of the government. He emphasized that the proposed legislation cannot prevent doctors from obtaining a full license, as it contradicts the established progression in the medical profession. Ngige suggested that alternative approaches should be explored to address the issue of brain drain among doctors.
Regarding the impending strike, Ngige deemed it unnecessary, pointing out that the government is already engaging with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the umbrella body for doctors in Nigeria. He highlighted that the NMA has agreed to a salary increase of 25 to 30 percent for its members and questioned the logic behind the resident doctors’ demand for a 200 percent increase. The Minister urged the NMA President to communicate with the resident doctors and engage in negotiations rather than resorting to a strike.
In other news, the Federal Executive Council approved the universal implementation of the Employee Compensation Act 2010. This act, operated by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, replaces the old Employee Compensation Act, also known as the Workmen Compensation Act.
Ngige stated that the new act ensures workers who suffer injuries, accidents, diseases, disabilities, or death while on the job will be compensated. It also includes provisions for the education of the deceased worker’s children up to the age of 21. The implementation of this act is a positive development for Nigerian workers, aligning with the decent work agenda outlined in Convention 102 of the International Labour Organization (ILO).