Ganiyu Johnson, a Nigerian congressman representing Oshodi Isolo II Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has outlined the reasoning for the measure aimed at retaining medical practitioners in Nigeria, according to Vanguard.

Remember that Johnson introduced a law last week to require Nigeria-trained medical or dental practitioners to work in the nation for at least five years before being awarded full licenses or traveling overseas.

On Thursday, Johnson appeared on Arise Television's The Morning Show.

The measure aimed at limiting the migration of Nigerian-trained medical and dental practitioners to foreign nations, according to the legislator, has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson, a member of the House of Representatives representing Oshodi Isolo II Federal Constituency, sponsored the measure, which was read aloud on the House floor on Thursday.

It was titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap. M379, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to mandate any Nigeria-trained Medical or Dental Practitioner to Practise in Nigeria for a Minimum of Five (5) before being granted a full licence by the Council in order to make Quality health Services available to Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.2130).”

The law was introduced as part of an effort to reduce the growing number of physicians leaving Nigeria for better prospects overseas.

Johnson contended that it was only reasonable for medical practitioners who had received government subsidies to serve a minimum number of years in Nigeria before transferring their expertise overseas.

The plan was approved by the majority of parliamentarians, however some urged for more flexibility and alternatives in the proposed legislation.

However, Uzoma Nkem-Abonta, a member of the House, opposed the measure, claiming that it amounted to enslavement to bind a doctor for five years in Nigeria after graduation before seeking work abroad.

Despite this opposition, a majority voice vote passed the bill for a second reading.