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. This follows the approval by Governor Umo Eno during the State Executive Council meeting held on October 13, 2025. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, made the announcement on Friday, October 17, 2025, while addressing members of the House of Representatives Committee on Health Services at the Ministry of Health Headquarters in Uyo.
The committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Dr. Amos Mogaji, was in the state to assess the implementation and performance of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) as part of its oversight responsibilities. Dr. John explained that the comprehensive salary review covers both the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). He stated that this move would make Akwa Ibom medical doctors and other health workers among the best paid in the country.
According to him, once implemented, doctors and health workers in Akwa Ibom will earn comparatively higher than their counterparts in other states and even those in the federal civil service. He added that the review is aimed at motivating the healthcare workforce and ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services across the state.
“The review demonstrates Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to improving the welfare of health workers and strengthening the state’s healthcare delivery system,” Dr. John said. “I can boldly say that the review is the largest single one-time percentage review in terms of medical salary in this country. Governor Umo Eno has given a marching order that it must be implemented from 1st November,” he added. He also mentioned that the circular from the Head of Service regarding the new salary structure is expected before the end of the month.
Earlier, the House of Representatives Committee on Health Services inspected several primary healthcare facilities across the state to evaluate the utilisation of the BHCPF and 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 presentations, outlined the progress made in managing the BHCPF. They highlighted the state’s strategies to achieve universal health coverage and expand access to medical insurance for residents.
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 stated that such motivation would enhance staff retention, improve healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas, and promote transparency in managing public health funds.
With the implementation of the revised salary structure, Akwa Ibom is set to establish a new benchmark for healthcare workforce motivation in Nigeria, reinforcing the government’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare for all citizens.