A bill to prevent Nigerian-trained medical or dental practitioners from being
granted full licences until they have worked for a minimum of five years in the
country has passed second reading at the House of Representatives.
The bill is part of the measures to halt the increasing number of medical
doctors leaving Nigeria for other countries in search of ‘greener pastures.!’
The title of the amendment bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Ganiyu Abiodun
Johnson, reads, “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners
Act, Cap. M379, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to mandate any Nigeria-
trained Medical or Dental Practitioner to Practise in Nigeria for a Minimum of
Five (5) before being granted a full licence by the Council in order to make
Quality health Services available to Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.2130)”
The second reading was taken on the floor of the House in Abuja on Thursday.
Johnson told the House that it was only fair for medical practitioners, who
enjoyed taxpayer subsidies on their training, to “give back to the society”
by working for a minimum number of years in Nigeria before exporting their
skills abroad.
The majority of lawmakers supported the bill, though a number of them called
for flexibility and options in the envisaged law.
One member, Rep. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta, opposed the bill on the grounds that
it was more like enslavement to tie a doctor down for five years in Nigeria,
post-graduation, before seeking employment in a foreign country.
However, a majority voice vote passed the bill for second reading.
The plenary of the House was presided over by the Speaker, Rep.
Femi Gbajabiamila.
