The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has sharply criticized the Federal Government’s decision to deploy Nigerian doctors to Saint Lucia and other Caribbean nations under a new Technical Manpower Assistance (TMA) agreement, describing the move as “inexcusable” in light of the deteriorating working conditions and systemic neglect faced by medical professionals at home.
“Exporting doctors while undermining their welfare at home is inexcusable,” the NMA stated in a release dated Thursday, July 3, 2025, and signed by its Secretary General, Dr. Benjamin Sichey Egbo.
The association expressed “deep concern and dismay” over the government’s actions, noting that the initiative starkly contrasts with the lived realities of many Nigerian doctors, who are “struggling with poor remuneration, unpaid allowances, hazardous working conditions, and widespread burnout.”
“This move is a troubling contradiction—an attempt to bolster Nigeria’s international image while failing to meet its basic obligations to the doctors tirelessly serving the country,” the statement read.
The NMA highlighted ongoing issues plaguing the health sector, including chronic delays in the payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), failure to implement agreed welfare packages, and the inconsistent application of the CONMESS salary structure.
These failures, the association warned, have triggered mass emigration among medical professionals, burdening those left behind with overwhelming workloads, increasing stress levels, and contributing to preventable deaths and worsening health outcomes nationwide.
Just a day earlier, on July 2, the NMA issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government, demanding urgent action on key issues. These include the withdrawal of a contentious circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), settlement of outstanding allowances, and respect for doctors’ professional autonomy.
While reiterating its support for international collaboration and South-South cooperation, the NMA argued that the current approach is “morally unjustifiable.” Of particular concern is the wage disparity between doctors deployed abroad and those serving within Nigeria.
According to the NMA, Nigerian doctors seconded to Saint Lucia under the TMA agreement earn ₦40.8 million annually, far below the ₦131.7 million paid to the highest-earning doctors directly employed by the Saint Lucian government. Meanwhile, doctors working within Nigeria earn an average of just ₦11.9 million per year.
“We are encouraging brain drain while patients suffer. It is indefensible,” the association said.
The Bilateral Agreement
On Wednesday, the Federal Government formally announced the deployment of Nigerian professionals—including doctors, teachers, and agriculturists—to Saint Lucia and other Caribbean nations under the newly signed TMA agreement.
The agreement, signed in Castries, Saint Lucia, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy strategy to promote South-South cooperation and strengthen ties with the African diaspora.
Yusuf Buba Yakub, Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC), signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Janelle Modeste-Stephen, Acting Permanent Secretary of Saint Lucia’s Ministry of External Affairs, signed for the host country.
Yakub hailed the agreement as “a great achievement,” stating that it reflects President Tinubu’s directive to provide technical support to member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Under the TMA program, Nigerian volunteers are to serve for two years. Nigeria will cover their allowances and logistics, while host countries will provide housing and other local support.
Yakub noted that since August 2023, more than 300 Nigerian professionals have been deployed to African and Caribbean nations, with further deployments to Grenada and Jamaica scheduled in the coming days.
President Tinubu is currently on a state visit to Saint Lucia—the first leg of a two-nation tour of the Caribbean and South America. On Monday, he addressed a joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly, announcing a scholarship program for students from OECS countries to study in Nigeria and proposing a visa waiver for holders of diplomatic and official passports.
Later that day, Tinubu was conferred with the title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (K.C.S.L.), in recognition of his efforts to strengthen Africa-Caribbean relations.
