The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has condemned 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 deteriorating working conditions and the continued neglect of medical professionals at home.

In a statement dated Thursday, 3 July 2025, and signed by its Secretary-General, Dr Benjamin Sichey Egbo, the NMA expressed “deep concern and dismay,” arguing that the initiative starkly contradicts the grim realities faced by Nigerian doctors, many of whom are grappling with poor remuneration, unpaid allowances, unsafe working conditions, and widespread burnout.

“This is a deeply troubling contradiction,” the association said. “The government is attempting to burnish its international image while failing to meet its fundamental obligations to the doctors working tirelessly within the country.”

The NMA highlighted chronic delays in the disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), the non-implementation of previously agreed welfare packages, and inconsistencies in the application of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

These challenges, the association noted, have triggered a mass exodus of doctors, excessive workloads for those who remain, and mounting levels of stress—ultimately contributing to avoidable deaths and declining public health outcomes.

Just a day earlier, on Wednesday, the NMA had issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government to address a raft of demands, including the withdrawal of a controversial circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), settlement of outstanding allowances, and respect for the professional autonomy of Nigerian doctors.

While reaffirming its support for international cooperation and regional development, the NMA insisted it is “morally unjustifiable” for the government to deploy healthcare workers abroad while paying them far more than their counterparts working within Nigeria.

According to the association, Saint Lucia pays its top-earning doctors ₦131.7 million annually. However, Nigerian doctors deployed there under the TMA agreement receive ₦40.8 million per year from the Nigerian government—more than triple the ₦11.9 million average annual salary for doctors working in Nigeria.

“We are effectively encouraging brain drain while our patients continue to suffer. It is indefensible,” the NMA stated.

The Federal Government on Wednesday announced plans to send Nigerian professionals—including doctors, teachers, and agriculturists—to Saint Lucia and other Caribbean countries under the newly signed TMA agreement.

The agreement, signed in Castries, Saint Lucia, is part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader foreign policy drive to promote South-South cooperation and reconnect with the African diaspora in the Caribbean.

Yusuf Buba Yakub, Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC), signed the agreement on Nigeria’s behalf, while Janelle Modeste-Stephen, Acting Permanent Secretary at Saint Lucia’s Ministry of External Affairs, signed for the host country.

Yakub described the agreement as “a great achievement,” aligning with President Tinubu’s directive to provide technical aid to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Under the deal, Nigerian professionals will serve for two years. Nigeria will cover allowances and logistics, while host nations will provide accommodation and other local support.

Since August 2023, more than 300 Nigerian professionals have been deployed to various countries in Africa and the Caribbean, 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 new scholarship scheme for students from OECS member states to study in Nigerian universities and a proposed visa waiver for holders of diplomatic and official passports.

Later that day, the Saint Lucian government conferred on him 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.