In a landmark move to improve healthcare delivery in Abia State, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Abia State Chapter, has lauded Governor Alex Otti for approving the full implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for all state-employed doctors. The commendation, announced in a statement released on Wednesday in Umuahia by NMA Chairman Dr. Ezinwa Ezuruike, marks a significant stride in the pursuit of parity in the remuneration of medical professionals at the state level.
The salary adjustment, approved on April 29, 2025, aligns Abia State with the federal standard, ensuring that doctors in the state now earn equivalent salaries to their counterparts in federal government employment. This development is being hailed as a major victory for the state’s health workers, who have long advocated for equitable compensation.
Dr. Ezuruike, while expressing the association’s appreciation, described the decision as “a bold and visionary step that reaffirms the governor’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the health sector.” He added that the move would not only boost morale among healthcare workers but also help retain experienced professionals and attract fresh talent to the state’s health facilities.
“By aligning Abia’s medical salary structure with the federal CONMESS, Governor Otti has once again demonstrated visionary leadership and a deep appreciation of the sacrifices and critical contributions of healthcare workers,” Ezuruike stated.
Beyond salary adjustments, the NMA also commended the Otti-led administration for approving the recruitment of 771 new healthcare workers across various professional categories. This expansion of the health workforce is expected to alleviate the burden on existing personnel and improve the quality and reach of healthcare services across the state.
The association emphasized that the recruitment drive is a timely intervention that will help fill critical manpower gaps in Abia’s healthcare system, especially at the primary and secondary levels. The NMA noted that it views the development not just as a fulfillment of campaign promises but as a signal of a renewed era of commitment and excellence in public healthcare administration.
“This strategic investment in human resources for health is a bold and timely step towards revitalising our state’s health system,” the statement added. “As an association, we reaffirm the unwavering commitment of our members to delivering quality healthcare services across the state.”
Dr. Ezuruike also acknowledged the efforts of the state’s Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Uche, and the Governor’s Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Ngozi Azodo, as well as other health stakeholders, for their collaborative role in achieving this milestone.
With Nigeria’s healthcare sector struggling under the weight of poor funding, brain drain, and infrastructural decay, Governor Otti’s decisive move places Abia on a reformist path. Analysts believe the salary hike and mass recruitment could set a benchmark for other states, especially in an era where many health workers are migrating abroad in search of better working conditions.
The policy is expected to improve patient outcomes, reduce service delivery delays, and boost the state’s overall healthcare performance ranking. Already, stakeholders have begun calling for a monitoring mechanism to ensure that the new hires are deployed effectively and that salaries are paid promptly and sustainably.
Healthcare unions and civil society organizations have also urged the government to complement the reforms with improvements in hospital infrastructure, drug supply chains, and training for medical personnel.
As Abia charts a course toward health sector revitalization, the NMA’s endorsement of Governor Otti’s policies sends a strong message of hope to both practitioners and patients alike. With consistent investment and transparent implementation, Abia could become a model for healthcare governance in Nigeria’s sub-national space.