STAY HOME AND BUILD! FG Begs Foreign-Trained Pharmacists to Dump ‘Japa’ Plans and Save Nigeria’s Health Sector as New Incentives Are Unveiled!

The Federal Government is making a bold move to stop the “brain drain” in the medical field by begging foreign-trained pharmacists to stay and help fix the country’s health system.

At a colorful induction ceremony held in Abuja this week, the government told hundreds of pharmacists many of whom studied in the UK, India, and the US that Nigeria needs their “global brains” more than ever. Instead of looking for the next flight back to Europe or America, the government is asking them to look at the massive opportunities waiting in Nigeria’s growing pharmaceutical market.

The Registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) didn’t just ask for a favor; he promised that the government is finally listening. He spoke about new plans to make working in Nigerian hospitals and pharmacies more attractive, including better pay and easier access to loans for those who want to start their own drug-making companies.

“You have seen how it is done abroad; now come and show us how we can do it better here,” the government urged. With Nigeria currently trying to reduce its dependence on imported medicines, these foreign-trained experts are seen as the “secret weapon” to making Nigeria a hub for medicine production in Africa.

While the “Japa” fever is still high, the government is hoping that by offering these new pharmacists a seat at the table and a chance to build their own businesses, they will choose to stay and heal the nation instead of seeking greener pastures elsewhere.