In a significant development, one of the governors in North-East Nigeria, Governor Babagana Zulum, has announced a groundbreaking salary reform for medical doctors in state-owned hospitals, aligning their pay with that of their federal counterparts starting from December 1, 2024.
The governor made this declaration while opening the 65th National Council on Health (NCH) Conference in Maiduguri. The conference, themed “Accelerating Pathways to Universal Health Coverage: Strategies for 2030 Success,” brought together key stakeholders in the health sector.
Zulum explained that the policy is intended to curb the exodus of medical professionals from the state, which has been fueled by wage disparities. He emphasized that the move will enhance healthcare delivery and encourage retention of skilled personnel.
“This is a matter of great concern for all of us. I believe that the new salary structure and allowances will encourage our doctors to stay and work within Borno State,” the governor said.
He revealed that the state government has already set aside N301 million to support 100 medical doctors undergoing residency training in Borno’s health institutions.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to the Abuja Declaration, which advocates for allocating at least 15% of state budgets to healthcare. According to him, Borno State has prioritized investments in maternal and child health, infrastructure, and disease control programmes.
Despite these advancements, Zulum acknowledged the persistent challenge of high maternal mortality rates and stressed the need for immediate intervention. He voiced support for the Federal Government’s Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative, which aims to remove financial barriers to life-saving procedures like cesarean sections.
Calling for the establishment of a federal medical centre in Borno, Zulum said such a facility would complement existing infrastructure and improve service delivery.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between federal and state health authorities, local leaders, and humanitarian agencies to ensure healthcare interventions are well-targeted and effective.
“As we continue to strengthen our health systems, we must ensure that every community has access to quality healthcare. This will require collaboration, coordination, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, commended Zulum’s salary adjustment policy, describing it as a significant step toward addressing workforce challenges in Borno’s healthcare sector.