The Akwa Ibom State Government will implement the upward review of salaries and special allowances for doctors and other health workers from November 1, 2025.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John S, while addressing members of the House of Representatives Committee on Health Services at the Ministry of Health Headquarters in Uyo, said this follows the approval by Governor Umo Eno at the State Executive Council meeting on October 13, 2025.
Implementation
The committee, led by its chairman, Hon. Amos Amogaji, was on an oversight function visit to the state to assess the implementation and performance of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Dr John explained that the comprehensive review covers both the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), making Akwa Ibom’s medical doctors and health workers one of the best remunerated in the country.
Upon implementation, he added, they will earn comparatively higher than their counterparts in other states and federal employees.
The health commissioner further noted that the salary review demonstrates Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to improving the welfare of health workers and strengthening the state’s healthcare delivery system.
“I can boldly say that the review is the largest single one-time percentage review in terms of medical salary in this country. Doctors on level 14, 15, will earn more than permanent secretaries, and those on 15 and above will even earn more than commissioners,” Dr John explained.
He added that the State Head of Service’s circular on the subject is expected before the end of the month, as Governor Eno has given a marching order for implementation to commence on November 1, 2025.
House Committee Commendation
Earlier, the House of Representatives Committee on Health Services members inspected several primary healthcare facilities in the state to evaluate the utilisation of the BHCPF and to appraise the quality of primary healthcare delivery in Akwa Ibom.
The Executive Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (AKSPHCDA), Dr Eno Attah, and the Executive Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA), Dr Igbemi Igbemi, in their separate reports, highlighted the milestones recorded by the State Government in managing the BHCPF, as well as the strategies adopted to achieve universal health coverage and expand access to medical insurance.
They outlined the impact of ongoing reforms under Governor Eno’s administration, including improved funding of primary health centres, expansion of insurance coverage, and renewed investment in healthcare personnel welfare.
“Akwa Ibom has demonstrated what political will can achieve in healthcare. The results we are seeing in service delivery and access to care are a direct outcome of sustained government investment,” Dr Attah said.
Dr Igbemi added that the state’s health insurance agency has scaled up enrolment and improved claims processing for enrollees.
“We are seeing increased confidence in the system. More residents are signing up because they can see that the government means business,” he said.
Raising The Healthcare Motivation Bar
The House Committee on Health Services commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for prioritising the welfare of medical personnel, describing the salary review as a bold and progressive step toward strengthening the state’s healthcare system.
The committee noted that such motivation would not only improve staff retention but also enhance service delivery, especially in rural areas. It also applauded the state for its accountability in managing public health funds.
“Akwa Ibom has set a strong example for other states. A well-motivated health workforce is critical for achieving universal healthcare, and this initiative reflects a forward-looking government,” Hon. Amogaji stated.
With the implementation of the revised salary structure, Akwa Ibom State will set a new benchmark for healthcare workforce motivation in Nigeria, as the state government intensifies efforts to deliver quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare to its citizens.
“We are not just increasing salaries; we are redefining the value of health workers in society,” Dr John affirmed.
This visionary decision aligns the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, which prioritises healthcare, human capital development, and social welfare, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda; both are driven by the shared vision of building a resilient, inclusive, and people-centred healthcare system where no citizen is left behind.