Governor Sheriff Oborevwori approved a ₦200,000 rise in monthly salaries for doctors, along with a ₦100,000 tax-free allowance for house officers, aimed at attracting and retaining healthcare workers within the state.
The announcement was made on March 7 by the State Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, during a press briefing. He explained that the new benefits fall under the administration’s “MORE Special Allowance,” which represents Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
With this adjustment, entry-level doctors will now earn about ₦570,000 monthly, up from ₦370,000, while house officers will receive over ₦350,000 instead of the previous ₦250,000 range.
Nigeria continues to face a shortage of healthcare professionals due to migration, as many doctors seek better pay and working conditions overseas. Data from the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors indicates that nearly 19,000 doctors left the country between 2005 and 2024, with 2024 recording the highest number of departures.
The federal government has also acknowledged the financial impact of this trend, with Health Minister Muhammad Pate noting that the country has lost billions of naira due to the exodus of doctors.
To support the salary increase, Delta State has allocated more funds to the health sector. Its 2026 budget earmarks ₦31.18 billion for personnel costs, up from ₦29.08 billion in 2025.
In addition, the state government is addressing power supply challenges through a new initiative called “Light Up To Industrialise Delta,” which aims to provide reliable, round-the-clock electricity. This is expected to boost industrial growth, attract investment, and create jobs.
Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sunny Ekedayen, revealed that the governor has engaged Power Acumen Consulting Limited to carry out a detailed assessment of the state’s electricity system. The move follows consultations with key stakeholders and analysis of infrastructure gaps, with the goal of transforming Delta into a major industrial hub powered by stable electricity.
