Why Governor Nwifuru Increased Medical Doctors’ Salaries to ₦500k

The recent Ebonyi doctors salary increase announced by Governor Francis Nwifuru—raising the monthly pay for newly employed medical doctors to ₦500,000—is more than just a pay adjustment; it’s a calculated move to tackle deep-rooted issues in the state’s healthcare system.

The decision is part of a broader initiative to attract top medical talent, address critical manpower gaps, and improve healthcare delivery across all regions of Ebonyi State.

Announced during the official flag-off of the state’s health activation program, the salary increase is part of a broader, targeted effort to address critical manpower shortages and improve healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The initiative comes alongside a sweeping ₦10 billion investment in infrastructure, medical equipment, and staff recruitment aimed at revitalizing the state’s healthcare sector.

The governor made it clear: the pay rise is designed to attract and retain skilled professionals, a necessary step in filling the long-standing human resource gap in the system. With 195 new healthcare workers—including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and lab scientists—already recruited and deployed to general hospitals, the move is meant to ensure consistent, quality care across Ebonyi.

“For some time now, the health sector in Ebonyi has suffered from insufficient funding, inadequate personnel, and a lack of basic equipment. This narrative must change, and it must change now,” Nwifuru declared.

The salary hike aligns with the administration’s broader reform agenda, known as the “People’s Charter of Needs,” which prioritizes health as a key development pillar. Coupled with the launch of a Drug Revolving Fund to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines, and a significant rollout of modern medical equipment, the strategy is designed to stabilize the sector long-term.

Experts say offering competitive compensation is vital to reducing the brain drain that often pulls qualified medical professionals to private facilities or out of the country. By offering a ₦500,000 monthly salary—well above the national average for public healthcare workers—Nwifuru hopes to make public sector medical jobs in Ebonyi not only viable but desirable.

The governor also stressed accountability, warning that misuse of resources or negligence will be met with firm consequences. He called on community leaders and civil society to take ownership of the health facilities and ensure the sustainability of these investments.

Looking ahead, Nwifuru outlined plans to establish specialist hospitals across the three senatorial zones and explore digital health and financing partnerships to modernize the system further.

“This is not just about salaries or equipment—it’s about rebuilding trust in public healthcare,” Nwifuru said. “It’s about giving people in Ebonyi a reason to believe that quality medical care is their right, not a privilege.”