Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved a comprehensive welfare package for medical doctors, including a ₦200,000 monthly tax-free allowance, in a bold effort to strengthen healthcare delivery and address the growing challenge of workforce migration.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, announced the policy in Asaba, describing it as a strategic intervention to counter the “Japa” trend, which has significantly depleted Nigeria’s pool of medical professionals.
Under the new arrangement, doctors on entry level will see a substantial increase in earnings. A Level 13 doctor, previously earning about ₦370,000 monthly, will now receive approximately ₦570,000, following the addition of the tax-free allowance. The commissioner said the move is expected to improve retention and attract qualified professionals into the state’s health sector.
The welfare package also extends to house officers, who will receive an additional ₦100,000 tax-free monthly allowance. This raises their total monthly earnings to over ₦350,000, a measure aimed at supporting early-career medical practitioners and encouraging them to remain within the state system.
Onojaeme noted that the policy aligns with broader national efforts to address healthcare workforce shortages and enhance service delivery. He expressed confidence that the improved remuneration would position Delta State as one of the most competitive employers of medical professionals in Nigeria.
The development comes amid an ongoing recruitment exercise in the state’s health sector, which has attracted more than 6,000 applicants for 700 available positions. However, the commissioner observed that the number of medical doctors among applicants remains relatively low, a trend he believes the new incentives will reverse.
He added that the improved welfare structure is also expected to reduce industrial disputes, noting that many of the long-standing concerns of medical personnel have been addressed through the new package.
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On the recruitment process, Onojaeme warned applicants against engaging in fraudulent practices, stressing that the exercise is strictly merit-based and transparent.
He also used the occasion of World Health Day 2026 to urge residents to adopt preventive healthcare habits, including regular medical check-ups, to improve health outcomes across the state.
The initiative marks a significant step in Delta State’s healthcare reform agenda, with government officials expressing optimism that it will build a more stable, motivated, and efficient medical workforce.
