Health Ministry Denies Endorsing NIDO Europe Faction

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has dismissed reports claiming it endorsed a particular faction of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE), describing the allegations as false and misleading.

In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, the clarification followed the circulation of a video showing the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, in a meeting with individuals who claimed to represent NIDOE.

The footage had been used by a group within the organisation to suggest ministerial backing.

Balogun explained that the meeting in question was not organised by NIDOE but by Nurses Across Borders (NAB), a non-governmental organisation of Nigerian health professionals in the diaspora working in collaboration with the Ministry’s Diaspora Unit. According to the Ministry, the NAB delegation brought along some diaspora health workers, a few of whom identified themselves as NIDOE members, to discuss Nigeria’s migration policy and the development of frameworks for the ethical migration of Nigerian health workers.

He stressed that while the Ministry welcomes collaboration with reputable groups to promote ethical migration policies that safeguard the interests of Nigerian health workers, it does not interfere in the internal affairs of organisations and has not granted any form of endorsement to NIDOE or any of its factions.

“We work for the best interest of Nigerian health workers, including those in the diaspora, without interfering with the internal affairs of the organisations to which they might belong,” Balogun stated.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the health sector through structured partnerships and transparent engagement, ensuring that diaspora contributions are harnessed effectively without taking sides in organisational disputes.