Japa Crisis Deepens: FG Says Teachers Will Protest If Doctors Get Pay Raise

The Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, has emphasized that raising doctors’ salaries alone will not resolve the challenges in Nigeria’s health sector.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During a working visit to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on Monday, Salako stated that healthcare professionals are already among the highest-paid within the country’s economic realities. He urged them to prioritize patriotism and consider the long-term benefits of remaining in Nigeria.

Expressing optimism that the ongoing mass migration of healthcare workers, commonly referred to as the “japa syndrome,” would soon decline, Salako said:

“Health workers are among the best-paid professionals in Nigeria. However, beyond salary increments, we must foster a greater sense of dedication and passion for the profession.

“If we raise doctors’ salaries, other sectors, including teachers, will demand similar adjustments. East or West, home remains the best—regardless of where you go, you are still considered a second-class citizen.”

Acknowledging the difficulties faced by tertiary hospitals, particularly concerning power supply, he commended UBTH for its innovative management strategies.

He also assured that the government would increase funding for public hospitals, emphasizing that healthcare is fundamental to national well-being.

Furthermore, the minister linked the “japa syndrome” to broader economic concerns, stressing that the issue requires a holistic solution. He expressed confidence that with the government’s capacity-building policies in place, the situation would soon improve.