NMA Jigawa Raises Alarm on Deliberate Sabotage of Doctors' Salary Review

By  Ali Rabi'u Ali Jigawa

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Jigawa State Chapter, expresses deep concern and utter disappointment over the continued delay and clear sabotage by the committee mandated by Governor Malam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, to review and report on the implementation cost of doctors’ salary issues.

In a press briefing at the NMA conference hall Dutse on Monday 28th July, 2025, the chairman of the association Dr. Haruna Usman said over five months ago, "after our crucial engagement with 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 FG counterparts including: correction of entry point disparities, implementation of hazard allowance and rectification of call duty allowances".

Dr. Usman stated that, to date, the committee has failed to report back to the governor, despite having allegedly completed the assignment long ago. The NMA has credible reasons to believe this silence is a tactical delay and a deliberate disregard for the governor’s directive a disturbing trend that has fueled the mass exodus of doctors from the state health system.

According to him, from the time the governor gave the directive to date, over 30 doctors have exited Jigawa State in just four months resignations now occur at an alarming rate. We are losing our best-trained professionals to neighboring states and federal institutions that offer standard and competitive remuneration based on the CONMESS salary table. This hemorrhage of talent threatens the very foundation of our state’s healthcare system.

"NMA Jigawa State appreciate the support of our able commissioner of Health Dr. Muhammad Kainuwa, and also commend the governor’s sincere efforts toward healthcare development, especially his record-breaking minimum wage package arguably the best in Nigeria" Says the chairma. 

"We urge the governor to take decisive action by compelling the Minimum Wage Committee to immediately submit the agreed report and recommendations for swift implementation" He said.