The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Jigawa has raised alarm over the departure of 30 medical doctors from the state since February 2025, citing poor remuneration as the primary cause.
Dr Usman Haruna, the state NMA chairman, addressed the issue at a press conference in Dutse on Monday, 28 July 2025.
He noted that doctors are leaving Jigawa at an alarming rate for neighbouring states and federal institutions offering competitive salaries aligned with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
“This haemorrhage of talent threatens the very foundation of our state’s healthcare system,” Haruna warned.
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He attributed the exodus to delays by the salary review committee, which has failed to submit its report five months after its inauguration.
“Over five months ago, after our crucial engagement with Gov. Umar Namadi, in his magnanimity graciously approved and mandated the minimum wage implementation committee to, within two weeks, meet with us, resolve, and report to him on the fiscal requirements for implementing urgent salary adjustments for doctors to align with the federal government’s counterparts, including correction of entry point disparities, implementation of hazard, and rectification of call duty allowances,” Haruna said.
“To date, this committee has failed to report back to the governor, despite having allegedly completed the assignment a long time ago.”
Haruna stated that the delay is driving the mass departure of doctors, undermining the governor’s achievements in the health sector.
While commending Governor Namadi for his healthcare transformation initiatives, he urged the immediate submission of the committee’s report to address the crisis and retain medical professionals in Jigawa.