Abuja, Nigeria – July 4, 2025 — The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has strongly criticised the Federal Government’s recent bilateral agreement to deploy Nigerian doctors and health professionals to Saint Lucia, describing the arrangement as contradictory and unacceptable.
In a strongly worded statement, the NMA expressed dismay over the disparity in remuneration, noting that while doctors in Nigeria currently earn an average of ₦11.9 million annually, those to be deployed under the new Saint Lucia technical manpower agreement will receive ₦40.8 million per year.
“This is a blatant contradiction of the government’s professed commitment to improving the welfare of medical professionals in Nigeria,” the association stated. “It is unacceptable that Nigerian doctors at home, who are battling poor infrastructure, overwork, and insecurity, are being offered a fraction of what their counterparts will be paid abroad under a government-sponsored initiative.”
The NMA argued that the move undermines ongoing efforts to curb the mass exodus of healthcare workers, popularly referred to as the “japa” syndrome, and further depletes an already overstretched health system.
“Rather than investing in the local health sector, the government is exporting our scarce human resources to foreign nations while offering better conditions elsewhere. This sends a wrong message and worsens the brain drain crisis,” the association added.
The association called on the Federal Government to urgently review the policy and, more importantly, prioritise improved remuneration, working conditions, and incentives for healthcare professionals within Nigeria.
The controversial deal is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to deepen international cooperation in the technical and professional sectors. However, it has triggered a wider debate about equity, national interest, and the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
