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, following approval by Governor Umo Eno at the October 13 State Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Health, Ekem Emmanuel John, has announced.
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, Amos Amogaji, was in the state to assess the implementation and performance of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) as part of its oversight functions.
He explained that the comprehensive review covers both the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), making Akwa Ibom medical doctors and health workers among the best paid in the country.
Upon implementation, they will earn comparatively higher than their counterparts in other states and even those in the federal civil service.
The Health Commissioner further noted that the salary review demonstrates Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to improving the welfare of health workers and strengthening the state’s healthcare delivery system.
Read also: AI-powered health tool confronts Africa’s chronic disease burden amid infrastructure collapse
“I can boldly say that the review is the largest single one-time percentage review in terms of medical salary in this country. Doctors on level 14, 15, will earn more than permanent secretaries, and those on 15 and above will even earn more than commissioners,” he explained, adding that the Head of Service’s circular on the subject is expected before the end of the month, as Governor Eno has given a marching order for implementation to commence on November 1.
Earlier, the House of Representatives Committee on Health Services had inspected several primary healthcare facilities in the state to evaluate the utilisation of the BHCPF and appraise the quality of primary healthcare delivery in Akwa Ibom.
The Executive Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (AKSPHCDA), Eno Attah, and the Executive Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA), Igbemi Igbemi, in their separate reports, highlighted the milestones recorded by the state government in managing the BHCPF, as well as the strategies adopted to achieve universal health coverage and expand access to medical insurance.
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 noted that such motivation would not only improve staff retention but also enhance service delivery, especially in rural areas, and applauded the state for its accountability in managing public health funds.
With the implementation of the revised salary structure, Akwa Ibom is expected to set a new benchmark for healthcare workforce motivation in Nigeria, as the state government intensifies efforts to deliver quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare to its citizens.
