OBOROVWORI SHAKES HEALTHCARE! Delta Doctors to Earn ₦200K EXTRA TAX-FREE as 6,000 Rush 700 Jobs

…House Officers Get ₦100K Boost to Crush ‘Japa’ Brain Drain.

In a bold and sweeping move set to shake up the health sector, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved a landmark welfare package for medical doctors, including a ₦200,000 tax-free monthly allowance aimed at stopping the mass exodus of healthcare professionals.

The major announcement was made by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, during a media briefing in Asaba.

According to the Commissioner, the newly introduced incentive—tagged the “MORE Special Allowance for Doctors”—is designed to retain and attract top medical talent amid the worsening “Japa” trend affecting Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved ₦200,000 tax-free for all doctors in Delta State,” Onojaeme declared.

He explained that the impact will be immediate: A Level-13 doctor earning about ₦370,000 monthly will now take home ₦570,000. The allowance is completely tax-free, making it one of the most competitive packages in Nigeria. “This will help us retain our workforce and even attract new doctors into Delta,” he added.

In a move applauded by young professionals, the state government also extended the package to intern doctors (house officers). House officers will now receive an additional ₦100,000 tax-free. Their earnings will jump from about ₦250,000 to over ₦350,000 monthly

“This shows the governor’s commitment to supporting early-career doctors,” Onojaeme noted.

Meanwhile, the state’s ongoing recruitment into the health sector has triggered massive interest, with over 6,000 applicants battling for just 700 positions.

However, the Commissioner raised concern over a shortage of qualified medical doctors among applicants.

“With this approval, we expect to exceed the number of doctors we need. In terms of remuneration, Delta is now ahead of many states and even the Federal Government,” he said.

The government issued a strong warning to applicants, stressing that the recruitment process is strictly merit-based.

Onojaeme cautioned candidates against falling victim to fraudsters or attempting to influence the process with money.

In a confident tone, the Commissioner expressed optimism that the improved welfare package would drastically reduce industrial actions by doctors.

“With this allowance addressing key demands, strike actions will not suffice in Delta State,” he stated.

Leveraging the momentum of World Health Day 2026, the Commissioner urged residents to adopt better health habits. He advised Deltans to: Go for regular medical check-ups, Embrace early diagnosis and prevention. “Early detection saves lives,” he emphasized.

The policy marks a major milestone in Delta State’s health reform drive, signaling a serious commitment to building a motivated, well-paid, and stable medical workforce.

With this move, Delta may be setting the pace in Nigeria’s fight against brain drain in the health sector.