The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved a ₦200,000 increase in the monthly salaries of doctors in the state as part of efforts to address the growing shortage of medical personnel.
The development was announced by the state Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, during a press briefing, where he disclosed that the new pay structure is tied to the administration’s “MORE Special Allowance” initiative.
Under the new arrangement, entry-level doctors will now earn about ₦570,000 monthly, up from ₦370,000, while house officers will receive over ₦350,000, alongside a ₦100,000 tax-free allowance.
Onojaeme explained that the salary adjustment became necessary following a disappointing turnout of doctors in an ongoing recruitment drive targeting more than 700 health workers. Despite receiving over 6,000 applications, only a limited number of doctors presented themselves for employment.
He expressed optimism that the improved remuneration would help attract and retain qualified medical professionals in the state, reversing the trend of low participation and workforce shortages.
Nigeria’s health sector has faced persistent challenges, particularly the migration of doctors abroad in search of better working conditions and pay. According to data from the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, nearly 19,000 doctors left the country between 2005 and 2024, with 2024 recording the highest number of exits.
The federal government has also raised concerns over the economic impact of this trend, with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, noting that the country has lost billions of naira due to the migration of healthcare professionals.
Meanwhile, findings indicate that the Delta State Government has made budgetary provisions to support the salary increase. The state’s 2026 budget allocates ₦31.18 billion to personnel costs in the health sector, an increase from ₦29.08 billion in 2025.
The move is seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen the healthcare system and improve service delivery by ensuring that skilled professionals remain within the country.
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