Politics

NRM Presidential Aspirant Faduri Says ‘No More Medical Treatment Abroad On Public Fund

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on February 25th, 2026.

NRM Presidential Aspirant Faduri Says ‘No More Medical Treatment Abroad On Public Fund

National Rescue Movement (NRM) presidential aspirant, Faduri Joseph, has declared that the era of public officials seeking medical treatment abroad at taxpayers’ expense must come to an end.

Faduri made the statement while addressing party supporters and stakeholders during a policy dialogue session, where he outlined his vision for a restructured and accountable healthcare system in Nigeria. According to him, the continuous reliance on foreign hospitals by political office holders reflects a lack of confidence in the country’s own medical infrastructure — a situation he described as both embarrassing and unsustainable.

He argued that Nigeria possesses some of the finest medical professionals in the world, many of whom are forced to practice overseas due to inadequate facilities, poor funding, and inconsistent policies at home. “It is unacceptable that leaders who are entrusted with public resources cannot trust the same healthcare system available to the citizens they govern,” Faduri said. “If elected president, I will ensure that no public funds are used for medical tourism.”

The NRM flagbearer emphasized that redirecting funds spent on overseas medical trips into local hospitals would significantly improve infrastructure, equipment procurement, and the welfare of healthcare workers. He noted that billions of naira leave the country annually under the guise of official medical visits, funds he believes could transform federal and state-owned hospitals if properly invested.

Faduri also proposed a comprehensive healthcare reform agenda that would prioritize the modernization of teaching hospitals, strengthen primary healthcare centres, and introduce transparent monitoring mechanisms to prevent abuse of public resources. He stressed that political leaders must lead by example and demonstrate confidence in the systems they oversee.

“Our leaders must use the same hospitals as ordinary Nigerians. That is the only way the system will receive the urgent attention it deserves,” he added.

The presidential hopeful further called for legislative backing to prohibit government-sponsored foreign medical trips except in strictly defined emergency cases where specialized treatment is unavailable locally. He maintained that such measures would not only conserve foreign exchange but also encourage the development of advanced medical specializations within Nigeria.

Healthcare analysts have long criticized Nigeria’s dependence on medical tourism, citing its impact on foreign reserves and domestic healthcare growth. Faduri’s stance is expected to spark renewed debate among political actors and civil society groups as the election season gathers momentum.

As campaigns gradually gather pace, the NRM aspirant insists that healthcare reform will be a central pillar of his administration, promising that his leadership would prioritize building institutions that serve both the powerful and the powerless alike.