By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has rejected the Federal Government’s recent decision to deploy Nigerian doctors to Saint Lucia, describing the move as a “deeply troubling contradiction” and an attempt to bolster Nigeria’s international image while neglecting the welfare of doctors at home.

A statement signed by the signed by NMA Secretary General, Dr. Ben Egbo, reminded the Federal Government that “Nigerian doctors have been suffering, working and serving Nigerians with many doctors leaving the country due to poor remuneration, chronic delays in payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), non-implementation of previously negotiated welfare packages and agreements, hazardous working conditions without commensurate risk allowances, and lack of universal implementation of the CONMESS salary structure for many of the doctors”.The association also pointed out that the challenges faced by Nigerian doctors have led to burnout, stress, chronic diseases, and even death, which invariably increases morbidity and mortality among Nigerians.“Exporting doctors while undermining their welfare at home is inexplicable,” the NMA added.The NMA also highlighted the stark contrast in salaries paid to doctors serving in Saint Lucia and those serving in Nigeria. According to the association, the highest-paid doctors serving in Saint Lucia will earn N131.7 million per annum, while their Nigerian counterparts will earn N40.8 million per annum for serving in Saint Lucia and a paltry N11.9 million per annum for serving in Nigeria.“We support regional cooperation and international engagement, but it is morally unjustifiable to export healthcare workers to foreign countries and pay them five times higher than they earned while serving in Nigeria,” the NMA stated.The association demands that the government address its grievances within a 21-day window, including withdrawing and replacing the misleading NSIWC circular, honouring all outstanding collective bargaining agreements, resolving outstanding allowances, and correcting distortions in the pay structure.The NMA’s demands also include protecting the professional autonomy and dignity of Nigerian doctors. “While we support international cooperation, we cannot continue to prioritise the interests of other nations over the welfare of our healthcare workers,” the association said.Largest U.S. Retail Store Showcases Nigerian Made Baby FoodNigerian natural baby food, Moppet Foods, has penetrated the U.S. market with a landmark display of its products on Walmart.This significant development positions Moppet Foods as the first Nigerian children’s food brand made from natural ingredients to be distributed by Walmart U.S., a rare feat for African consumer goods.Roberta Oyedotun, Founder of Moppet Foods, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.Oyedotun said, “Moppet’s entry into Walmart is a testament to what is possible when innovation, resilience, and purpose collide. “From a mother’s kitchen in Lagos—concerned about chemical-laden baby foods—to the shelves of America’s largest retailer, Moppet’s journey embodies a new era of African excellence and global impact. “This allows us to make our natural and nutritious food solutions, including our new product Nutriblend, more accessible than ever before”.She emphasised that the strategic expansion into Walmart represents a significant step in its market penetration efforts, bringing nutritious offerings directly to more consumers. “Penetrating the U.S. and global markets demonstrates Moppet’s unwavering commitment to making its natural and nutritious food solutions easily accessible.”Oyedotun also expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, “We are thrilled to partner with Walmart, a retail giant committed to offering quality products to millions of families.“We’ve gone from feeding one child in Lagos State, Nigeria, to nourishing thousands of children across continents. And we’re just getting started. “Our commitment to quality and nutrition aligns perfectly with the growing consumer demand for healthier eating choices.“This is not just our win—it is Nigeria’s win. We are proving to the world that Africa can nourish its own and the world—ethically, sustainably, and proudly.”Founded by Nigerian technologist-turned-food innovator, Moppet Foods transforms local, biofortified crops and upcycled ingredients into premium cereals and fruit-based peanut spreads that meet international standards of nutrition, safety, and sustainability.BHCPF Now Supports 2.67m Nigerians, Says NHIAThe Director-General, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, said the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) now supports over 2.67 million Nigerians.Ohiri said this in an interview on the sidelines of an oversight session with the House of Representatives Committee on Health Services on Thursday in Abuja.Briefing lawmakers on NHIA’s recent progress and ongoing reforms, he said that with the figure, BHCPF was marking a significant stride in improving access to essential health services for the most vulnerable.According to him, about 800,000 new enrollees were added in 2025 alone, signalling increasing public trust in the fund and stronger coordination between federal and state-level health institutions.“This expansion of the BHCPF is a direct reflection of our commitment to delivering basic healthcare to those who need it most.“It also demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships in strengthening Nigeria’s primary healthcare system,” he said.In addition to the BHCPF gains, Ohiri said that over 20 million Nigerians were now enrolled in health insurance schemes, a jump from 16.8 million in 2023.“Latest figures released after the most recent senior management retreat show that national health insurance coverage now stands at over 20.028 million people.“This is through the combined efforts of the NHIA, State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs), and Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs),” he said,According to him, this puts the country on track to exceed the 2027 presidential goal for universal health coverage.The NHIA boss said that there had been increased coverage of vulnerable groups, with more than 7,500 women benefiting from the Fistula-Free Initiative and emergency obstetric care services across the country.He also highlighted the integration of HIV and tuberculosis (TB) services into health insurance in five pilot states.He described it as the first-ever inclusion of donor-funded disease programmes into the national health insurance system.“Health insurance schemes are now operational in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), signifying a nationwide expansion that strengthens grassroots access to healthcare,” he said.Ohiri said that NHIA revised provider tariffs, raising capitation rates by 93 per cent and fee-for-service rates by 378 per cent, thereby incentivising healthcare providers to deliver improved quality of care.“To further reduce delays in service delivery, the authority has introduced a new one-hour authorisation code mandate for HMOs and hospitals.“The rate of complaint resolution had significantly improved, with over 80 per cent of beneficiary issues resolved in 2024, a 21 per cent increase compared to previous years,” he said.The Director-General said that the reforms were transforming NHIA into a more people-centred agency capable of delivering on its mandate to ensure that every Nigerian has access to affordable, quality care.“Health insurance is for everyone, and the NHIA provides coverage through the Group, Individual, and Family Social Health Insurance Programme (GIFSHIP).“The programme is designed to cater to market women, artisans, students, retirees and individuals in the informal sector, ensuring that no one is left behind,” he said.