The Nigerian government has expressed its disapproval of a bill proposed by the National Assembly that seeks to require Nigerian-trained medical and dental practitioners to work for a minimum of five years in the country before being granted full licenses.

Dr. Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour, stated during a press briefing in Abuja after a Federal Executive Council meeting that the bill cannot prevent individuals from obtaining full licenses.

The bill, which passed its second reading in the House of Representatives on April 7, aims to address the issue of brain drain in the Nigerian health sector.

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However, Dr. Ngige argued that there are alternative methods to combat brain drain and described the bill as impractical.

He emphasized that the current system allows medical graduates to undergo a one-year apprenticeship or internship before receiving a full license to practice medicine.

After completing the internship and being endorsed by consultants, individuals become fully qualified doctors who can work without supervision.

Dr. Ngige also clarified that resident doctors, who hold full licenses, pursue post-graduate specialties such as surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, and internal medicine.