By Ovasa Ogaga,
In a bold move to curb the rising wave of medical brain drain, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved a comprehensive welfare package for doctors, including a ₦200,000 monthly tax-free allowance aimed at retaining and attracting healthcare professionals.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this during a media briefing, describing the initiative—tagged the “MORE Special Allowance for Doctors”—as a strategic response to the global migration trend popularly known as “Japa,” which has significantly impacted Nigeria’s health sector.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved ₦200,000 tax-free for all doctors in Delta State. As you know, the Japa syndrome is one of the major issues we are having globally. So, this approval will help to retain our workforce,” he said.
According to him, the policy takes immediate effect and substantially boosts doctors’ earnings.
“The implication is simple; a doctor on Level-13, which is the entry point of employment, earning a monthly salary of ₦370,000, will, as from the end of this month, be earning ₦570,000. With this, we can retain our doctors and attract new doctors to the state.”
The intervention also covers house officers, with an additional ₦100,000 tax-free allowance approved for them.
“Not just that, for the doctors who are doing the one-year internship (house officers), the governor, in his good wisdom, also approved ₦100,000 tax-free for them. This means that a House Officer who is earning over ₦250,000 will now be earning over ₦350,000 because the allowance, as approved by the governor, is tax-free,” Onojaeme added.
Meanwhile, the state’s ongoing recruitment exercise has recorded massive interest, with over 6,000 applicants vying for just 700 positions. Despite the high turnout, the commissioner noted a shortfall in the number of medical doctors among applicants but expressed optimism that the new incentives would reverse the trend.
“With this approval, I can tell you that we will overshoot the number of doctors we want in the state because, in terms of remuneration, compared to other states and even the Federal Government, we are on top with this current approval,” he said.
Onojaeme further assured that the improved welfare package would reduce industrial disputes in the sector, noting that the allowance addresses key concerns of medical personnel. He also warned applicants against fraudulent practices, stressing that the recruitment process remains strictly merit-based and free of financial inducements.
Aligning with the commemoration of World Health Day 2026, the commissioner urged residents to adopt proactive health habits, emphasising the importance of routine medical check-ups for early detection and better health outcomes.
The initiative marks a major step in Delta State’s healthcare reform drive, underscoring the government’s commitment to building a motivated, well-compensated, and resilient medical workforce.
