300 doctors exit Jigawa in five months over poor pay

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has raised alarm over the departure of 300 doctors from Jigawa State in just five months, citing poor remuneration and stalled salary reforms.

Speaking at a press conference in Dutse on Monday, Dr. Usman Haruna, Chairman of the NMA in Jigawa, revealed that the mass exodus occurred between February and July 2025, with most doctors leaving for better-paying jobs in neighboring states and federal health institutions.

“Jigawa is losing its most skilled medical professionals due to the lack of competitive pay, especially when compared with the CONMESS salary structure offered elsewhere,” Haruna said.

“This brain drain is threatening the core of our healthcare system.”

He blamed the development on the failure of the state’s salary review committee to submit its report, five months after it was inaugurated to address salary disparities and implement key allowances for doctors.

“Governor Umar Namadi had directed the minimum wage implementation committee to engage with us and present a report within two weeks.

“However, despite allegedly completing the task, the committee has yet to report back,” Haruna added.

The NMA chairman warned that the prolonged delay is eroding the governor’s gains in healthcare development and worsening the staffing crisis in hospitals across the state.

While commending Governor Namadi for his commitment to healthcare reforms, Haruna urged the immediate release of the committee’s report to stem further losses in the medical workforce.