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‘I was misquoted’ – Chris Ngige clarifies statement on Nigerian medical doctors

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has clarified his position on the issue of migration by Nigerian medical doctors to foreign nations, saying that he was misquoted.
Recall that the Minister came under serious attack yesterday after he stated in his interview with Channels TV that Nigeria has surplus doctors and that any medical doctor that wants to leave Nigeria should do so.
In a statement signed by Nwachukwu Obidiwe, his Special Assistant on Media, Ngige described the controversies that had trailed his comment as unnecessary, calling for a deeper understanding of the issue in question.
“I speak from the vantage position of being a medical doctor and member, Nigerian Medical Association since June, 1979 and enriched by my vast knowledge on health administration. Having retired as a Deputy Director, Medical Services and Training from the Federal Ministry of Health in 1998, member of Vision 2010 Committee on Health as well as senior member, Senate Committee on Health 2011-2015.
“Therefore, the truth no matter how it hurts, must be told and reality, boldly faced. Hence, apart from Nigeria’s non-compliance with the World Health Organisation’s ratio of one doctor to six hundred patients of which I was misquoted. Every other thing I said in that interview is an existential reality, useful and constructive facts which every Nigerian that watched the full interview will hardly dispute.
“I invite opinion moulders especially those who have spoken or written on this issue to watch the full clip of my interview with the channels. And it is for this reason that I admitted having a little cause to worry about brain drain among medical doctors.
“The fact is that while the Federal Government has recorded a remarkably steady improvement in our healthcare system, Nigeria is yet to get there,” Ngige said
The minister added that Nigeria did not at present, have enough health facilities to accommodate all the doctors seeking to do tertiary specialist training (residency) in the teaching hospitals, federal medical centres and few accredited state and private specialist centres in the country.
He also noted that roughly 20 per cent of the yearly applicants were being absorbed while the remaining 80 per cent tried their luck elsewhere. He, however, noted that most of these rejected applicants usually throng the Federal Ministry of Health and that of Labour and Employment to complain of being illegally schemed out.
The statement explained further that what the minister meant was that these professionals had the right to seek training abroad to sharpen their skills and become specialists.
“They later turn this problem to a national advantage when they repatriate their legitimate earnings and later return to the country. Even where some of these doctors are bonded to their overseas training institutions, examples abound on the large number of them who have successfully returned to settle and establish specialist centres across the country. It is, therefore, a question of turning your handicap to an advantage” the minister said
He said the situation was not peculiar to Nigeria, as countries like Pakistan, Ceylon, Bangledesh exported teachers to secondary schools in the old Eastern and Northern Regions in the 60’s and 70’s when their earnings were also repatriated to their countries.
He further stated that the Ministry of Labour and Employment had a migration policy, developed with the European Union to assist skilled Nigerians to work and earn decent living abroad.
He also noted that the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora had done a lot of work in encouraging Nigerian professionals abroad to return.
He also noted that a good number of doctors were relocating from the United States and other European countries.
“Luckily, the Ministry of Health in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour and Employment is developing a federal assisted programme for these young doctors and other allied health professionals such as pharmacists, physiotherapists in a move to broaden training opportunities. It again asserted that Nigeria has enough medical personnel to man non-specialist centres in the rural areas,’’ he said
He regretted that the major problem was the refusal of young doctors to work in the hinterland.
“Even the National Youth Service Corps doctors, all, today seek postings to the cities as against what obtained some decades ago. Besides, doctors who did not get the few vacancies in the tertiary centres especially those owned by the Federal Government find it difficult to work in the rural hospitals.
But the truth is that the Federal Government has in its 2019 Budget now before the National Assembly, implemented the Health Act provisions for one per cent of the consolidated revenue of the Federation to be added to the health budget to boost medical services.
This, especially at the grassroots in partnership with the state governments who are expected to make a five per cent counterpart contribution,” he said
He, therefore, said the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) State chapters and National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) had a duty to campaign and persuade State governments to devote more funds to healthcare.
He added that doctors’ union was not only for the purpose of personal aggrandisement, or asking for more emoluments and urging members to go on strike.
“Therefore, while the Federal Government, indeed, government at all levels strive to meet up with the World Health ratio of one doctor to five hundred patients. We appeal to the Nigerian Medical Association to prevail on its members to serve in the rural areas.
That the Federal Government has an on-going programme that will in near future, revive and revitalise all the basic health centres in all the wards across the federation,’’ he said.
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Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadri Momoh, and Council Endorse Balogun ATM for Senate 2027
His Royal Majesty, Oba Akadri Momoh, The Olukare of Ikare Land, alongside his Oba-in-Council of chiefs and elders, has endorsed Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM), the Balogun of Ikare, for the Ondo North Senatorial seat in 2027.
The endorsement was announced on Monday at the Olukare’s Palace during Chief ATM’s courtesy visit. Oba Akadri Momoh described ATM as “a true son of Ikare” with the character and competence to represent Ondo North. “He respects tradition and has never turned his back on our people. He has our royal blessing,” the Olukare said.
Chiefs present echoed the monarch, citing ATM’s consistent support for education, healthcare, and empowerment in Akoko land as proof of his readiness.
Chief ATM thanked the Olukare and Council for the “sacred mandate,” pledging to make the welfare of Ikare and Ondo North his priority in the Senate. “In Abuja, the voice of Ikare will be loud, clear, and respected,” he said.
*Signed:*
ATM Campaign Media Team
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Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA) Endorses Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) for Senate, Cites Youth Capacity to Lead
The Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA), under the leadership of its President, Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe, has formally endorsed Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) as its consensus candidate for the Ondo North Senatorial District in the 2027 elections.
The endorsement was announced at the Alliance’s expanded executive meeting held in Ikare-Akoko, with youth leaders drawn from all six Local Government Areas of Ondo North in attendance.
Speaking at the event, Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe declared that the decision was driven by ATM’s clear vision for youth empowerment and economic transformation. “Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed is not just another politician. He understands that the youth are not leaders of tomorrow – we are leaders today. He has the capacity, the network, and the will to convert our energy into productivity,” Eniafe said.
*Youth Capacity to Lead, Not Just to Clap*
ONYA praised ATM’s blueprint for tackling youth unemployment and rural-urban migration. Central to his agenda is the establishment of *skill acquisition and ICT training centers* across Akoko land, Owo and Ose to equip young people with 21st-century skills in tech, agriculture, fashion, welding, and digital enterprise.
The Alliance also highlighted ATM’s plan to *attract and facilitate factories and agro-processing zones* in Ondo North. “For too long, our brothers from the North have moved to Lagos and other states in search of jobs that don’t exist. With factories here, we keep our youth here. We build our economy here,” Comrade Eniafe stated. “ATM’s background in Finance, Real Estate, and Infrastructure Development gives us confidence that this is not empty talk.”
ONYA further noted that ATM’s track record of quietly supporting student groups, artisans, and young entrepreneurs proves he is youth-friendly and results-oriented. “He doesn’t wait for elections to show up. He has been doing the work,” the President added.
In his response, Chief ATM expressed deep appreciation to ONYA, describing the endorsement as “a call to greater service.” He pledged to sponsor bills and attract federal interventions that will prioritize youth employment, technical education, and industrial growth. “We will build the training centers. We will bring the factories. We will stop the forced migration of our youth. Ondo North will work, and our young people will lead that transformation,” ATM assured.
The Ondo North Youth Alliance called on all youth groups, student unions, and first-time voters across the senatorial district to unite behind ATM, describing him as “the candidate with the brain, the heart, and the blueprint for the youth.”
*Signed:*
Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe
President, Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA)
*For ATM Campaign:*
[08038554184]
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Former Ondo Deputy Governor Ali Olanusi Endorses Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) for Ondo North Senate
*Akure, Ondo State* — In a major boost to his senatorial ambition, Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed, popularly known as ATM, has received the endorsement of His Excellency, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, former Deputy Governor of Ondo State.
The elder statesman formally adopted ATM’s bid to represent Ondo North Senatorial District during a courtesy visit to his Akure residence last week. The meeting, described by attendees as “warm and strategic,” saw Olanusi throw his political weight behind ATM ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Alhaji Olanusi is a towering figure in Ondo politics and a respected APC chieftain from Akoko, Ondo North. His political résumé spans decades: former Member of the House of Representatives, former State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Board of Trustees. His voice carries weight across party lines and within grassroots structures in Ondo North.
Speaking during the visit, Olanusi commended ATM’s character, capacity, and commitment to the people. He also paid glowing tribute to the legacy of ATM’s late father, Alhaji Kunle Abdul, whose philanthropy and community development efforts remain reference points in Akoko land and Ondo State.
“The good work of your late father is still speaking well for you,” Olanusi said. “You have shown the same heart for service. Ondo North needs a Senator who understands the people and has the competence to deliver. I believe you are that person.”
Responding, Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed expressed gratitude for the endorsement, describing Olanusi as “a father, a leader, and a compass for many of us in Ondo politics.”
“This endorsement is humbling. It strengthens our resolve to offer Ondo North a new model of representation — one that is accessible, developmental, and people-driven,” ATM said. “We will not betray this trust.”
Political observers say Olanusi’s endorsement is significant. As a bridge between the old guard and the new generation, his backing is expected to galvanize support across Akoko, Owo, and Ose — the key blocs in Ondo North.
With endorsements now coming from traditional leaders, youth groups, and elder statesmen, ATM’s senatorial ambition continues to gather momentum as the 2027 political calendar draws closer.
Signed
ATM Media Team
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