Following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023, the federal government significantly increased allocations to states and local governments, giving subnational administrations more funds to run governance.
With this financial boost, some governors have in recent weeks moved to raise the salaries and allowances of workers, particularly doctors and health professionals, amid the worsening brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector. Many medical practitioners have continued to leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad — a trend popularly referred to as Japa syndrome.
To curb this exodus and retain skilled workers, some governors have announced salary reviews and allowances for doctors and other health workers in their states.
Here are the three governors who recently increased health workers’ pay and why:
- Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State
Governor Hope Uzodimma recently announced a major salary adjustment for civil servants and professionals in Imo State.
Minimum wage for civil servants was raised from N76,000 to N104,000.
Doctors’ salaries were reviewed upward from N215,000 to N503,000.
Teachers in tertiary institutions also saw their pay rise from N119,000 to N222,000.
The governor explained that these increases were necessary given the challenges residents have faced, ranging from COVID-19 disruptions to insecurity, wage disputes, subsidy removal, and rising economic hardship.
- Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State
Governor Ododo approved a new N300,000 monthly allowance for medical doctors serving in government-owned hospitals across Kogi State.
The governor said the decision was aimed at discouraging doctors from leaving the state and reducing the impact of Japa syndrome on the local health system.
He made the announcement at the launch of the Access to Health Care programme for 76,000 civil servants, students in tertiary institutions, and pensioners, held at Lugard House, Lokoja, on September 29, 2025.
- Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State
In Gombe State, Governor Inuwa Yahaya gave approval for the full implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for all health workers.
He made the announcement during the opening ceremony of the state’s two-day Health Summit, which was declared open by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Why These Pay Increases Matter
The Nigerian health sector has been one of the hardest hit by brain drain. With thousands of doctors and health professionals leaving the country each year, experts argue that better pay and working conditions are vital to retain talent.
The recent moves by Uzodimma, Ododo, and Yahaya represent deliberate interventions to strengthen state healthcare systems and encourage professionals to stay.
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