A group of Nigerian doctors based in the United States is pushing for urgent reforms to America’s visa policies, aiming to address the critical shortage of medical professionals in rural and underserved areas.

Under the banner of the Nigerian Physician Advocacy Group (NPAG)—a coalition of Nigerian-American physicians, health advocates, and community leaders—the doctors recently engaged with bipartisan members of Congress to champion practical immigration solutions. Their goal: to enable qualified international doctors to serve in high-need communities across the country.

The two-day Advocacy and Lobby Day event on Capitol Hill saw the delegation received by lawmakers including Congressman Jonathan Jackson, Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester, Congressman James Baird, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Congressman Dan Crenshaw, and Congressman Chris Smith. Their participation signaled cross-party support for strengthening the U.S. healthcare system.

The advocacy group emphasized their commitment to ensuring the voices of Nigerian-American physicians are heard in policy discussions that impact healthcare delivery. NPAG builds on the legacy of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), founded by Dr. Ihenacho Emeruwa, which has long worked to empower Nigerian doctors in the U.S.

Leading the NPAG team, Dr. Susan Edionwe stressed that Nigerian doctors are not only part of the healthcare system—they are central to its success. “Our doctors serve in the most challenging environments—from rural towns to inner cities—with skill, compassion, and dedication,” she said.

Dr. Edionwe warned that recent immigration setbacks, including halted student visa interviews and increasing J-1 visa denials, are preventing highly qualified Nigerian medical graduates from entering the U.S. healthcare workforce.

She revealed that in 2023 alone, NPAG documented 32 denials under section 214(b), despite applicants being financially stable, receiving full scholarships, and holding placements at U.S. hospitals facing critical staffing shortages.

“These are future global health leaders,” she said. “Training them in the U.S. not only supports domestic healthcare but also fosters strong ties with Nigerian medical institutions.”

Dr. Edionwe also highlighted the cost-effectiveness of accepting internationally trained doctors. “Unlike U.S. graduates, they arrive fully trained—saving the American system hundreds of thousands of dollars per physician. With Nigerian heritage accounting for around 60% of Black doctors in the U.S., their contributions are vital to both diversity and capacity.”

The group urged Congress to promptly pass the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1201). This legislation would allow J-1 visa physicians to remain in the U.S. after completing their residency, provided they serve in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas.

“Passing H.R. 1201 is essential,” Dr. Edionwe stated. “These doctors are ready and willing to help. Let’s not shut them out.”

She noted that over 30 Nigerian medical graduates are currently seeking training and research opportunities in the U.S., stressing that these individuals represent a strategic advantage in both local and global healthcare delivery.

“This is not about seeking handouts,” she added. “It’s about solving real problems—like access to care—with real solutions.”

Beyond U.S. domestic policy, NPAG also raised concerns over the reduced presence of U.S.-funded healthcare programs in Nigeria, including delays in delivering vital medications. With initiatives like PEPFAR having saved over 1.6 million lives in Nigeria, the doctors called for continued commitment to global health partnerships and life-saving efforts.