By Enitan Abel Johngold
In a bold, no-nonsense move to stop the mass exit of medical professionals, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved a ₦200,000 monthly tax-free allowance for doctors in the state.
The State Health Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, dropped the bombshell in Asaba today during a press briefing, saying the package is aimed squarely at tackling the “Japa” wave draining Nigeria’s health sector.
The impact is immediate: entry-level doctors on Grade Level 13 will see their monthly earnings jump from about ₦370,000 to ₦570,000.
“That’s how we retain our doctors and attract new ones,” Onojaeme declared.
House officers are not left out. They get a ₦100,000 tax-free boost, pushing their pay from over ₦250,000 to above ₦350,000.
The announcement comes as Delta’s health sector recruitment explodes with interest—over 6,000 applicants scrambling for just 700 slots.
But there’s a twist: not enough doctors.
Onojaeme is confident the new pay structure will flip the script.
“With what we now offer, Delta is ahead—better than many states and even some federal institutions. We will attract more doctors,” he said.
He also hinted that the era of frequent strikes could be over, insisting the new package addresses key demands of medical workers.
On recruitment, the message was blunt: no shortcuts, no bribes.
“Everything is strictly merit-based,” the Commissioner warned.
Riding on the momentum of World Health Day 2026, he urged residents to take their health seriously through regular check-ups and early diagnosis.
Bottom line: Delta is putting money on the table, and making a strong play to keep its doctors home.