The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on the state government to reduce the tax burden on doctors to curb the rising exodus of medical professionals abroad.
NMA Chairman Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi made the appeal during the association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference in Abeokuta, held from August 3 to 9. The event, themed “Leveraging on Technology to Drive Medical Practice in the Era of Dwindling Medical Personnel,” highlighted challenges facing healthcare workers in the state.
While acknowledging the government’s past efforts in meeting some demands—such as harmonizing salaries with federal standards—Ogunjimi stressed that excessive tax deductions remain a major concern. He noted that after a 16-month struggle for pay parity, doctors now face high taxes, further discouraging them from staying in the state.
“We urge the government to grant us a tax rebate, as other states have done for healthcare workers. This will motivate doctors to stay and serve,” Ogunjimi said. “We are not refusing to pay taxes, but the current deductions are too high and are pushing more professionals away.”
The NMA also pressed for the resolution of pending issues, including the implementation of the new minimum wage’s consequential adjustments, concerns over the contributory pension scheme, and proper placement of doctors on the CONMESS 3 salary scale.
Despite appreciating the government for fulfilling some obligations—such as paying the Medical Residency Training Fund and clinical duty allowances—Ogunjimi highlighted unresolved grievances, including poor remuneration for clinical lecturers.
With about 1,000 doctors still serving in Ogun’s state and federal health institutions, the NMA reaffirmed its commitment to members’ welfare but warned that frustration over unmet demands could worsen the brain drain crisis.
The association urged prompt government action to retain skilled medical personnel and sustain quality healthcare delivery in the state.
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