In a bid to stem the tide of brain drain, Akwa Ibom State has introduced a new policy requiring medical trainees to pledge years of service before seeking opportunities abroad.
The Head of Civil Service, Effiong Essien, announced at the weekend in Uyo, that all medical professionals sponsored by the state must now enter a formal bond, committing to serve Akwa Ibom for a period deemed sufficient for the government to recover its investment in their training.
“No more quick exits. Healthcare workers will need to honour their home state first. The bonding is serious now, it’s a matter of accountability,” Mr Essien said, explaining that the state would collaborate with the Medical Council of Nigeria to block clearance for any bonded healthcare professional attempting to migrate without fulfilling their service term.
600 new medical personnel
Alongside the bonding policy, the state government has announced plans to recruit 600 new medical personnel and 100 occupational safety officers for the newly created Department of Occupational Safety within the Office of the Head of Service.
The expansion, according to Mr Essien, is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the state’s healthcare delivery, infrastructure and address manpower shortage.
Mr Essien stressed that without decisive action, the state risks losing not only its investment in human capital but also the quality of its healthcare system.
“These measures are crucial for securing long-term economic growth and preserving healthcare standards in Akwa Ibom,” he said.
Workers’ welfare
Mr Essien further revealed that N60 billion out of over N90 billion owed in gratuities, promotions, and arrears has been paid.
He disclosed that Governor Umo Eno has maintained a steady monthly release of N500 million to tackle pension backlogs, describing it as a practical demonstration of the administration’s worker-centred policies.
“Mr Eno has shown that workers’ welfare is not just a promise, but a practical, ongoing commitment,” Mr Essien noted, attributing the improvements in productivity across ministries as a direct result of the administration’s worker-focused policies.
Japa syndrome
The new oath-taking requirement comes as Akwa Ibom, like many states of Nigeria, battles the relentless wave of “Japa”, the mass exodus of skilled workers seeking greener pastures overseas.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns of a looming shortfall of 11 million health workers by 2030, mostly in low and lower-middle income countries.
According to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, no fewer than 16,000 medical doctors left Nigeria to practice abroad in the last five to seven years.