Japa syndrome: Oborevwori approves monthly N200, 000 tax-free allowance for medical doctors

…as over 6,000 applicants jostle for 700 health jobs

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has approved a comprehensive welfare package for medical doctors, including a monthly special tax-free allowance of N200,000 aimed at enhancing retention and attracting new professionals into the state’s health sector.

The state commissioner for health, Dr. Joseph Onojeame, who announced the approval in Asaba said in the package a doctor on Level 13 (the entry point of employment) earning a monthly salary of N370,000 will, as from the end of this month, go home with N570,000.

The governor also approved the sum of N100,000 tax-free for house officers.

Speaking at a media interaction in Asaba, Dr Onojeame described the initiative as a strategic response to the global “Japa” phenomenon and its adverse impact on Nigeria’s healthcare workforce.

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According to him, the newly introduced incentive, christened the “MORE Special Allowance for Doctors”, aligns with recent efforts by the Federal Government to address workforce migration.

“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved N200,000 tax-free for all doctors in Delta State. As you know, the Japa syndrome is one of the major issues we are having globally. So, this approval will help to retain our workforce.

“The implication is simple: a doctor on Level 13, which is the entry point for employment, earning a monthly salary of N370,000 will, as of the end of this month, be earning N570,000. With this, we can retain our doctors and attract new doctors to the state.”

“Not just that, for the doctors who are doing the one-year internship (house officers), the governor, in his good wisdom, also approved ₦100,000 tax-free for them.

“This means that a house officer who is earning over N250,000 will now be earning over N350,000 because the allowance, as approved by the governor, is tax-free,” he said.

Meanwhile, the state’s ongoing recruitment drive in the health sector has witnessed overwhelming interest, with over 6,000 applicants competing for just 700 available positions.

However, the Commissioner expressed concern over the relatively low number of medical doctors among the applicants.

“With this approval, I can tell you that we will overshoot the number of doctors we want in the state because, in terms of remuneration, compared to other states and even the Federal Government, we are on top with this current approval,” Dr. Onojaeme added.

He further conveyed optimism that the improved welfare package would significantly reduce industrial disputes within the sector.

“Instances of strike actions by medical doctors will not suffice in Delta State, as the allowance caters to all the demands of the doctors.”

On the integrity of the recruitment process, the Commissioner issued a stern warning to prospective applicants against engaging in fraudulent practices.

He emphasised that the exercise remains strictly merit-based and devoid of any financial inducements, urging candidates to resist any attempt to compromise the process.

Leveraging the momentum of the World Health Day 2026, Dr. Onojaeme also called on residents of the state to adopt proactive health-seeking behaviors.

He advised Deltans to prioritize routine medical check-ups, noting that early detection remains critical in preventing complications and improving overall health outcomes.

The policy intervention marks a significant milestone in Delta State’s healthcare reform agenda, reinforcing government’s commitment to building a resilient, motivated, and adequately compensated medical workforce.