The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association has commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for approving and commencing the payment of the Professional Allowance Table and Specialist Allowance for medical doctors, describing the move as a major boost to healthcare workers’ welfare and service delivery.
The association, however, warned that the state was battling a severe shortage of medical personnel, revealing that only about 1,200 doctors were currently serving an estimated population of nine million residents.
The Chairman of the Ogun State NMA, Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi, disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference held in Abeokuta to herald the association’s 2026 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference.
According to him, the implementation of the Professional Allowance Table follows the Federal Government’s approved salary structure, while payment of the Specialist Allowance commenced in July 2026.
Ogunjimi described the approval as a clear demonstration of Governor Abiodun’s commitment to improving the welfare of doctors and strengthening the state’s healthcare system.
He said the allowances would improve the morale of medical practitioners, encourage retention of skilled professionals and ultimately enhance the quality of healthcare services available to residents.
“We appreciate Governor Dapo Abiodun for this worker-friendly decision. It reflects responsive leadership and a genuine commitment to improving the welfare of doctors in Ogun State,” he said.
The NMA chairman added that the association would continue to maintain a cordial relationship with the state government in addressing outstanding welfare issues and advancing healthcare delivery.
Despite the development, Ogunjimi expressed concern over the dwindling number of doctors in the state, attributing the challenge partly to the continued migration of health professionals abroad in search of better opportunities.
He disclosed that the doctor-to-population ratio in Ogun currently stands at approximately one doctor to 7,500 residents, a figure he described as grossly inadequate for effective healthcare delivery.
“This shows the enormity of the challenge before us. With an estimated population of about nine million people and only about 1,200 doctors serving in the state, the situation is far from ideal.
“The doctors who have chosen to remain in the country despite the opportunities abroad deserve to be supported and protected. Unfortunately, many of them are also subjected to unwarranted attacks while carrying out their professional duties,” he said.
He stressed that governments at all levels and members of the public must prioritise the welfare, safety and motivation of healthcare workers to stem the growing brain drain in the health sector.
According to him, Ogun State requires between 5,000 and 10,000 doctors to provide adequate healthcare services to its growing population.
“If we have between 5,000 and 10,000 doctors in Ogun State, the pressure on healthcare workers will reduce significantly. The 1,200 doctors currently available are doing their best under very difficult conditions,” Ogunjimi added.
The NMA’s Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference is expected to focus on strengthening healthcare systems and addressing challenges confronting medical practitioners, including workplace violence, manpower shortages and the welfare of healthcare professionals.
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