Kebbi NMA Outlines Welfare Agenda, Seeks Harmonized Pay to Curb Brain Drain

Kebbi NMA Outlines Welfare Agenda, Seeks Harmonized Pay to Curb Brain Drain

The newly sworn-in Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Kebbi State Branch, Dr. Muhammad Jamilu, has outlined a welfare driven agenda for his administration, with a strong push for improved pay and conditions to stem the exodus of doctors from the state.  



Dr. Jamilu made the disclosure in an exclusive interview with our Series News Online correspondent on Monday in Birnin Kebbi.  He stated that the well being of doctors would serve as the foundation of every policy under the 2026-2028 executive council.  

"The core of our plan as the 2026/2028 exco is the welfare of our members. The welfare of doctors in Kebbi is our top priority," Dr. Jamilu said.  "As an executive, we are committed to ensuring that every doctor in the state experiences the true benefits of the profession. This covers proper remuneration, improved working environment, security, and also standing with members during joyous occasions like childbirth and marriage, as well as during moments of grief. Welfare remains central to our mandate," he added.  

The chairman further noted that doctors on residency training while still in state employment would receive special attention.  "We also have colleagues on supernumerary status who are pursuing residency programs while serving with the state government," he said.  


"We will work to ensure their training allowances are paid promptly. This will be pursued in partnership with the health initiatives of Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu. With the Ministry of Health and the Office of the Head of Service, we believe we can establish a clear path for doctors on such programs," he stated.  


On retention, Dr. Jamilu called on government to introduce better incentives for medical practitioners in the state.  
"We will also be glad if the state government can address the burden on doctors by providing car and housing loans. That will ease pressure and make doctors more willing to serve in the state," he said. 

"In addition, we are advocating for allowances that exist in federal institutions, such as accoutrement and conference allowances. The goal is simple: to make doctors comfortable and productive in Kebbi," he added.  

He said the association would key into government’s health policies to improve service delivery, stressing that NMA members currently head 31 general hospitals across the state.  "We must align with government policies to improve health indicators in Kebbi. The reason is clear: 31 general hospitals in the state are led by our members who are doing tremendous work," he explained.  


"If we work closely with our colleagues in federal institutions, I am confident that Kebbi’s health indices will record significant improvement," he noted.  

Dr. Jamilu also revealed plans to finalize and monetize the Doctors’ House project in Birnin Kebbi to generate revenue for the association.  "The construction of the Doctors’ House in Birnin Kebbi is ongoing. We intend to complete it and put it to commercial use as a source of income for the association," he said.  
"I want to use this opportunity to inform the public that the facility will be available for rent for events and functions. These are some of the key projects we have set for ourselves, and we believe they are achievable," he added.  

Speaking on brain drain, the chairman blamed salary gaps, insecurity and poor welfare for the mass departure of doctors, and called for a binding policy to synchronize state and federal remuneration.  "The present administration is doing its best, particularly in health. But brain drain is not peculiar to Kebbi. It is a national and even global challenge. Doctors are leaving largely due to poor pay, insecurity and inconsistencies in remuneration," he said.  

"His Excellency has approved that there should be no disparity between federal and state doctors. However, whenever the federal government adjusts salaries, it takes time before it reflects here," he stated.  "We will engage the state government to develop a policy document that will ensure automatic adjustment of salaries and allowances for state doctors whenever there is a review at the federal level," he said.  

He urged the adoption of the full CONMESS salary scale for doctors in Kebbi.  "The state should also consider implementing 100 percent CONMESS for doctors. That is the standard nationwide. If we do that in Kebbi, the problem of brain drain will be drastically reduced," he said.  


"Currently, anytime a federal circular is released, we have to lobby from one office to another for implementation. With the commitment of this administration to health, I believe His Excellency will act and ensure doctors are motivated to stay and serve," he added.  

Assessing the health sector, Dr. Jamilu acknowledged progress in infrastructure but said manpower remained a challenge.  "Workforce shortage is not limited to Kebbi. It is a nationwide issue. However, in Kebbi, at least every general hospital has one or two doctors working alongside other health workers," he said.  

"We currently have over 100 doctors in state service, excluding those in the Federal Teaching Hospital, private facilities and NGOs. The system is functioning, but we need more doctors, nurses and pharmacists," he stated.  "Government is renovating hospitals and equipping them. But equipment alone is not enough. Without good pay, we cannot attract and retain the needed manpower," he noted.  

The chairman emphasized the need for more specialists and the introduction of housemanship in state hospitals to strengthen the workforce.  "Specialists are critical because they handle complex cases that general hospitals cannot manage. Such cases require tertiary care," he said.  

"With the teaching hospital coming up in Kalgo, we must have the required number of specialists to secure accreditation," he stated.  "Kebbi is the only state where housemanship is not conducted in state hospitals. Introducing it will boost manpower, cut costs and reduce brain drain. A doctor who does housemanship here is more likely to stay and serve here," he said.  

Dr. Jamilu said the new leadership had prepared a working document to guide engagements with government and other stakeholders.  "We have a blueprint that outlines our goals and how to achieve them. We have also studied models from other Northwest states with similar challenges," he said. 

 "When we meet with His Excellency, the Commissioner for Health, the SSG, the Head of Service and other stakeholders, we will present these documents. It will not be just verbal advocacy," he added.  


He appealed for unity and support from all quarters to ensure a successful tenure.  "What we seek is harmony among doctors, nurses and all health workers. That can only happen with the backing of members, stakeholders, government and our medical elders," he said.  


"I call on all members, stakeholders and medical elders to accord my exco the same support and cooperation enjoyed by past administrations so that our tenure will also succeed in bringing positive development. At the end of our tenure, we want to leave behind a legacy that we and our exco will be remembered for," he concluded.