Health

A’Ibom Implements Measures to Combat Medical Brain Drain

Published

3 weeks ago

Apr 28, 2025.

A'Ibom Implements Measures to Combat Medical Brain Drain

Elder Effiong Essien revealed that the state government has established a bond with medical trainees
Governor Umo Eno has approved the recruitment of 600 medical personnel and 100 occupational safety officers
Over the past 23 months, according to the Head of Service , the government has disbursed ₦60 billion out of the over ₦90 billion owed in gratuities, promotions, and other arrears to its workforce.

In response to the growing challenge of medical professionals leaving Nigeria in pursuit of better opportunities abroad, the Akwa Ibom State government has introduced several initiatives to retain its healthcare workforce.

Eko Hot Blog reports that Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, revealed that the state government has established a bond with medical trainees, making it mandatory for them to serve in the state before seeking employment elsewhere.

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In addition to this measure, Governor Umo Eno has approved the recruitment of 600 medical personnel and 100 occupational safety officers to bolster public service delivery and improve healthcare access within the state.

“Every person that government is sending out on training now is bonded to serve the government for a period that government would have recovered the investment on their training.

“The bonding is a very serious issue now, so none of them will escape. For the medical doctors, we go as far as the Medical Council that usually gives clearance for any professional who is travelling out of the country.

“So if we send your name that government has trained you, you are under bond to serve the government, so the Medical Council will not allow such a person travel out again,” he stated.

Over the past 23 months, according to the Head of Service , the government has disbursed ₦60 billion out of the over ₦90 billion owed in gratuities, promotions, and other arrears to its workforce.

Eno’s dedication to addressing the welfare of both retired and active civil servants is further exemplified by the consistent release of ₦500 million monthly to settle outstanding contributions, with 15 Local Education Authorities already having received refunds for the 7.5% contributory pension.

“Governor Umo Eno has proven that workers’ welfare is not just a campaign promise but a practical commitment. The productivity index across ministries has significantly improved as a result.