A group of Nigerian doctors based in the United States has urged the U.S. government to reform its visa policies to allow more foreign-trained physicians to help address the country’s growing doctor shortage, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Operating under the Nigerian Physician Advocacy Group (NPAG), the doctors recently met with bipartisan members of Congress in Washington, D.C., to present their proposals and advocate for policy support.
They explained that while many Nigerian medical professionals are qualified and willing to serve in the U.S., outdated and restrictive visa rules are preventing them from filling critical gaps in the healthcare system.
The NPAG delegation held meetings with lawmakers, including Reps. Jonathan Jackson, Lisa Blunt Rochester, James Baird, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Dan Crenshaw, and Chris Smith, indicating strong interest across party lines.
Dr. Susan Edionwe, who led the team, emphasised that Nigerian doctors are already making significant contributions, especially in underserved areas such as small towns and inner cities. “We serve with care, skill, and dedication,” she said.
However, Dr. Edionwe warned that tightening immigration policies are worsening the problem. She cited a sharp increase in student visa interview delays and rising denials of J-1 visas, required for medical residency training in the U.S.
In 2023 alone, NPAG recorded 32 visa denials under Section 214(b), even for Nigerian candidates with full scholarships and confirmed hospital placements, further straining an already overstretched U.S. healthcare system.
“These doctors are not only skilled—they are future leaders in global health,” Edionwe said. “Training them in the U.S. helps both countries and makes American healthcare stronger.”
She pointed out that Nigerian doctors usually come fully trained, which saves the U.S. the high cost of medical school, often between $120,000 and $600,000. Also, about 60% of Black doctors in the U.S. are of Nigerian origin, showing their important role in the health system.
To make things better, the doctors are asking Congress to pass a bill called the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1201). This law would let more foreign doctors stay in the U.S. after training if they work in areas that lack enough medical professionals.
“Passing this bill is critical,” Edionwe said. “There are already Nigerian doctors doing this important work. Don’t shut the door on them.”
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She added that more than 30 Nigerian medical graduates are waiting to train and do research in the U.S., but are held back by immigration rules.
“This is not about asking for help,” she said. “Nigerian doctors want to help solve a real problem, giving people better access to healthcare. We just need the chance to do it.”
The group also spoke about concerns back home in Nigeria, saying that U.S. support for health programs like USAID and PEPFAR is dropping. These programs provide medicine and services that have saved millions of lives, and delays in funding or medicine delivery could cause serious harm.
