Health workers in Delta State have declared support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing what they described as the positive impact of their respective administrations on healthcare delivery and workers’ welfare which was gathered by Fidelis Chidi's blog. Watch video
The workers made their position known at a stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba, where issues relating to healthcare development, professional responsibilities and government policies were discussed.
Speaking at the meeting, the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, said the support for Governor Oborevwori’s second-term ambition was informed by the administration’s interventions in the health sector.
He urged health personnel across the state to remain committed to their professional responsibilities and continue to support policies and programmes designed to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve the welfare of residents.
The Director of Protocol, Government House, Chief Sunday Onoriode, who also addressed the gathering, praised health workers for their dedication and sacrifices in caring for patients and sustaining healthcare services across the state.
He called on them to take the message of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori to their communities and mobilise support for both leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.
Onoriode described the workers’ endorsement as a reciprocal gesture for what he said were the contributions of the two administrations to governance, development and the welfare of Nigerians and Deltans.
He expressed confidence that the Oborevwori administration would continue to deliver on its promises through the MORE Agenda, adding that its policies and programmes were aimed at improving the living conditions of residents.
The Chairman of the Delta State Hospitals Management Board Dr Paul Oweh and other speakers also endorsed the governor’s re-election bid, pointing to various government initiatives which they said had improved the working environment for health professionals and access to healthcare services.
Beyond the political declarations, the meeting featured a health education session on the Ebola virus disease, with the Delta State Epidemiologist, Dr Mildred Okowa-Igumbor, urging residents to remain vigilant and observe preventive measures.
Okowa-Igumbor disclosed that no case of Ebola had been recorded in Delta State, assuring residents that there was no cause for panic while stressing the need for sustained public awareness, early reporting of suspected cases and strict adherence to health guidelines.
A major highlight of the gathering was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Governor Oborevwori by the Delta State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives in recognition of his administration’s contributions to the health sector.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders in the state’s health sector to assess developments in healthcare delivery, acknowledge government interventions and discuss ways of strengthening service delivery, even as participants declared their political support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Here are list of Sheriff achievements in Delta health sector brought out by Fidelis Chidi's blog
Achievements of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for Health Workers in Delta State
Delta State health sector | Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration (2023–2026)
Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, since assuming office in May 2023, has pursued several health-sector initiatives affecting healthcare delivery, medical infrastructure, workforce development and the welfare of healthcare personnel.
When assessing his achievements specifically for health workers, it is important to distinguish between initiatives that directly benefit doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, community health workers and other health professionals, and projects that primarily benefit patients.
1. Direct financial benefits and improved remuneration
A. ₦200,000 monthly salary increase for doctors
In April 2026, reports announced Governor Oborevwori's approval of a ₦200,000 increase in doctors' monthly salaries under the MORE Special Allowance initiative.
B. ₦100,000 tax-free allowance for house officers
The administration also approved a ₦100,000 tax-free monthly allowance for house officers.
These measures were announced as efforts to improve remuneration, attract doctors and reduce the migration of medical professionals from Delta State.
C. Revised CONMESS implementation
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, stated in October 2024 that Delta was implementing the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), with doctors' allowances not subjected to tax under the arrangement he described.
He also said the state was paying medical doctors and other health workers competitively to discourage migration.
2. Increase in retirement age for clinical health professionals
One of the significant recent workforce policies is the approval to extend the retirement age of eligible skilled clinical health professionals in government hospitals:
Retirement age increased from 60 to 65 years.
Maximum years of service increased from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first.
The policy covers 26 cadres of skilled clinical health professionals actively engaged in clinical services.
Eligible officers must apply through their Chief Medical Directors six months before retirement.
Medical fitness screening is required.
The policy is intended to retain experienced professionals, preserve institutional knowledge and address manpower shortages.
This is particularly relevant to senior doctors, nurses and other experienced clinical professionals who can continue contributing to the state health system.
3. Recruitment of over 700 medical and non-medical personnel
Governor Oborevwori approved recruitment of more than 700 personnel across different state-owned health institutions.
The announced allocation included:
Institution | Approved personnel |
|---|---|
Hospitals Management Board | 295 |
DELSUTH, Oghara | 120 |
College of Health Technology, Ovrode | 100 |
Delta State Contributory Health Commission | 120 |
Asaba Specialist Hospital | 60 |
Total | 695 |
The proposed recruitment covers:
Medical consultants and senior medical officers.
Senior nursing officers and nursing officers.
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
Medical laboratory scientists and technicians.
Radiographers and optometrists.
Physiotherapists.
Dental professionals.
Health information and records personnel.
Hospital administrators and other support staff.
This is an important workforce intervention because recruitment creates employment opportunities, reduces pressure on existing staff and strengthens healthcare delivery.
Importantly, the announcement was about approval and commencement of the recruitment process; it should not be represented as proof that all the positions have already been filled.
4. Medical Residency Training Fund for resident doctors
The administration has also been reported to support the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for resident doctors in state training institutions.
In a 2024 government report, the Commissioner for Health stated that:
Approximately 300 resident doctors were beneficiaries.
Each resident doctor was expected to receive ₦951,400 annually.
The state was not owing the resident doctors their MRTF at the time of the announcement.
This support helps doctors pursue specialist training, improve their clinical competence and develop specialist services within Delta State.
5. Replacement of health workers who leave the system
The administration introduced an anticipatory approval arrangement for replacing doctors, nurses and other health professionals who leave government service, including those who migrate abroad.
According to the Commissioner for Health, this was intended to avoid lengthy recruitment bureaucracy and prevent hospitals from remaining understaffed for extended periods.
This is particularly important in addressing the effects of the Japa syndrome on government hospitals.
6. Training and professional development
Several initiatives have supported professional development:
Establishment of the College of Health Technology, Ovrode, to strengthen the production of skilled health personnel.
Establishment of the College of Nursing, Onicha-Uku, as reported by the NMA Delta State leadership.
Establishment of the College of Medical Sciences at Southern Delta University, Ozoro.
Accreditation of Asaba Specialist Hospital for house-officer training.
A two-year partnership with SANOFI Aventis Nigeria Ltd. for training health workers in affordable diabetes care.
Support for residency training in the state's medical training institutions.
These initiatives contribute to building a stronger pipeline of trained medical and allied health professionals.
7. Recruitment and deployment of doctors and nurses across 66 secondary health facilities
In April 2024, the Commissioner for Health announced that the state had commenced employment and deployment of additional doctors and nurses across 66 secondary health facilities.
The government also reported procurement and distribution of hospital equipment and capacity-building programmes for healthcare workers.
This was an important intervention in addressing manpower shortages and improving service delivery in government hospitals.
8. Improved working environments and medical equipment
The administration has reported several investments that can improve the working conditions of health professionals:
Approval for CT scanners at DELSUTH, Oghara, and Central Hospital Warri, as reported in October 2024.
Procurement of advanced MRI machines.
Rehabilitation and upgrading of hospitals and primary healthcare centres.
Development of a public health laboratory.
Construction of a psychiatric hospital.
Upgrade of General Hospital Warri to Central Hospital status.
Development of the Mother and Child Hospital at Ekpan.
These facilities require skilled personnel and can create opportunities for doctors, nurses, radiographers, laboratory scientists and other health professionals.
9. Upgrade of 215 Primary Healthcare Centres
The administration announced approval for the upgrading and equipping of 215 out of Delta State's 441 primary healthcare centres.
The reported plan involved:
₦30 million per centre.
25 centres completed as part of the initial pilot project at the time of the 2024 government report.
Improved facilities and equipment for primary healthcare delivery.
For health workers, this means opportunities to work in better-equipped facilities and provide improved community healthcare services.
10. Recognition of healthcare workforce development by NMA Delta State
In September 2025, the Nigeria Medical Association, Delta State branch, led by its Chairman, Dr Israel Adaigho, commended the administration's healthcare initiatives during a visit to the Governor.
The association highlighted:
Strengthening of primary healthcare.
Development of medical institutions.
Improved maternal and child healthcare.
The Contributory Health Scheme.
Establishment and development of health training institutions.
This is an important professional endorsement, although it should be distinguished from an independent assessment of every aspect of workers' welfare.
Summary: What health workers should know
Intervention | Reported benefit |
|---|---|
Doctors' salary increase | ₦200,000 monthly |
House officers' allowance | ₦100,000 monthly, tax-free |
Retirement age | 60 to 65 years for eligible clinical cadres |
Length of service | 35 to 40 years |
Recruitment approval | 695 personnel in listed allocations |
Residency training | MRTF support |
Replacement of departing staff | Anticipatory recruitment approval |
Professional development | New training institutions and partnerships |
Hospital development | New equipment and improved facilities |
Primary healthcare | 215 PHCs approved for upgrading |
