Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has approved the implementation of federal-equivalent salary structures for health workers in the state, a move expected to boost morale, stem brain drain, and strengthen healthcare delivery.
The governor announced on Thursday at the opening of the maiden Gombe Health Summit, held at the Gombe International Conference Centre. The event was attended by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, among other dignitaries.
With the new policy, Gombe will adopt the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) beginning October 2025.
Gov. Yahaya said the adjustment will cost the state about N250 million monthly—roughly N3 billion annually—but insisted it was a necessary investment.
“I am pleased to announce the immediate approval for the full implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures for all health workers, effective October 2025, making them at par with that of the federal government,” he said. “This significant intervention is a direct investment in the welfare of our health workers. In return, I call upon all health workers in Gombe State to match this commitment with renewed dedication and productivity.”
The governor said the pay rise would bring doctors, nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals up to federal salary levels, a step health experts say could improve retention, attract skilled personnel, and enhance care in underserved communities.
Gov. Yahaya also highlighted ongoing reforms in the state’s health sector. These include the revitalisation of 228 primary healthcare centres, upgrades of general hospitals across the three senatorial zones, the establishment of a contributory health insurance scheme (GoHealth) with over 380,000 enrollees, and the launch of GoPharma, a state-backed initiative providing affordable medicines.
