Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved a ₦200,000 increase in the monthly salaries of doctors in the state, alongside a ₦100,000 tax-free allowance for house officers, in a fresh move aimed at addressing manpower shortages and improving healthcare delivery.
The announcement was made on 7 March by the Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, during a press briefing in Asaba.
Onojaeme said the new remuneration package forms part of the governor’s “MORE Special Allowance” initiative, an acronym for Meaningful development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms, and Enhanced peace and security, which defines the Oborevwori administration’s policy direction.
Under the revised structure, the salary of entry-level doctors in Delta State rises from ₦370,000 to ₦570,000 monthly, while house officers will now earn above ₦350,000, up from over ₦250,000, in addition to the ₦100,000 tax-free allowance.
The commissioner explained that the decision was taken in response to concerns over low turnout in the state’s ongoing recruitment exercise for over 700 health workers, despite receiving more than 6,000 applications.
“Despite receiving over 6,000 applications, the number of doctors who turned up fell short of expectations,” he said, adding that the improved package is expected to attract and retain more medical professionals.
He assured that the recruitment process would remain strictly merit-based and free from inducement.
Nigeria continues to face a severe shortage of medical personnel, largely driven by the emigration of doctors in search of better pay and working conditions abroad.
According to the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, 18,949 doctors left the country between 2005 and 2024, with 2024 alone accounting for 3,974 exits.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, has also warned that the country is losing billions of naira annually due to medical brain drain.
Findings indicate that Delta State may have already made budgetary provisions for the salary adjustment, as its 2026 health sector personnel allocation rose to ₦31.18 billion from ₦29.08 billion in 2025.
