NMA Applauds Gov Eno’s Health Workforce Policy

We will continue to stand with you and your principal, Governor Umo Eno, to ensure the welfare of medical personnel reaches its peak and that the health of our people is secured

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has expressed strong approval and appreciation for the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his proactive steps toward improving the healthcare system through the implementation of a comprehensive health workforce retention policy.

This initiative, which places a significant focus on the welfare and stability of medical personnel, has been recognized as a vital measure for sustaining healthcare delivery in the state.

Speaking during a grand reception hosted by the NMA in Uyo, the President of the association, Professor Bala Audu, highlighted the importance of Governor Eno’s efforts.

The event, held at the Doctors’ Mess, was organized in honor of newly appointed officials including commissioners, the Senior Special Assistant (Medical), and the Senior Special Assistant (Insurance), all of whom have ties to the medical profession.

The presence of these appointees underscores the administration’s commitment to integrating experienced healthcare professionals into the highest levels of government decision-making.

Prof. Audu emphasized that the welfare of doctors and other healthcare professionals must remain a top priority if government policies are to succeed in addressing systemic health sector challenges.

According to him, while investments in medical infrastructure and equipment are critical, they must be matched with efforts to ensure that medical personnel are motivated, fairly treated, and retained across various levels of the health system.

He described the governor’s actions as aligned with the “ARISE Agenda,” a core policy framework of the current administration, which includes healthcare development as one of its pillars. Prof. Audu stated:

“The health sector is a key part of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda. I have seen the efforts he has made in improving healthcare, including the health workforce retention policy. In the healthcare sector, no matter how much is invested in infrastructure and equipment, the unity and welfare of the medical workforce—especially among associations—must be maintained.”



He further called on the governor to ensure that uniform healthcare standards are upheld across all facilities in the state. He stressed the need for all state-owned teaching hospitals to operate at full capacity, offering services that meet national standards for tertiary institutions.

This includes not only the presence of qualified staff but also adequate infrastructure and fully functional medical equipment. According to Prof. Audu, such measures will empower health workers to perform optimally and deliver quality care to the public.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State NMA, Dr. Aniekan Peter, echoed similar sentiments. He praised Governor Eno for the strategic appointment of three medical professionals as commissioners in the State Executive Council. This, he noted, serves as a testament to the administration’s recognition of the importance of professional expertise in governance, particularly in the health sector.

Dr. Peter described these appointees as worthy ambassadors of the medical association and commended the state government’s openness to collaboration with the NMA.

He also spotlighted the success of the Health Center Initiative, launched by the NMA in March 2025, which has already brought essential health services to numerous communities across the state.

He affirmed the association’s readiness to continue partnering with the government to ensure that medical personnel are well-supported and that citizens enjoy improved health outcomes.

“We will continue to stand with you and your principal, Governor Umo Eno, to ensure the welfare of medical personnel reaches its peak and that the health of our people is secured,” Dr. Peter stated.



The event served as a platform to reinforce the symbiotic relationship between government and healthcare professionals, highlighting a shared commitment to advancing public health and ensuring that Akwa Ibom remains a model of effective healthcare administration in Nigeria.