Ogun Doctors Urge Better Tax Relief to Curb Brain Drain
- Admin
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on the state government to reduce the tax burden on doctors in its employment, warning that continued high deductions could accelerate the brain drain crisis within the healthcare sector.
Speaking at a press conference to flag off the NMA’s 2025 Annual General Meeting in Abeokuta, the association's chairman, Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi, appealed for urgent tax reforms as a strategy to retain medical personnel in the state.
“We are not asking to be exempt from taxes, but the current deductions are excessive and demoralising,” said Dr. Ogunjimi. “Several other states have granted tax rebates to their healthcare workers we urge Ogun State to do the same.”
Themed “Leveraging Technology to Drive Medical Practice in the Era of Dwindling Medical Personnel,” the AGM runs from August 3 to 9 and seeks to address the growing exodus of skilled medical professionals from the state.
Dr. Ogunjimi acknowledged the state government’s recent implementation of salary parity with federal counterparts a demand that took over 16 months of sustained advocacy.
However, he warned that while the salary increase was welcomed, the benefit is being eroded by steep tax deductions, prompting some doctors to still migrate to other states or federal institutions where net earnings are higher.
“Despite salary alignment, internal brain drain continues due to the heavy tax load. A fair tax policy would serve as a strong incentive for our doctors to stay and serve,” he said.
The NMA used the platform to highlight other unresolved matters, including:
Consequential salary adjustments following the new national minimum wage.
Contributory pension scheme reforms, which doctors argue have created future uncertainties for state employees.
Remuneration gaps for clinical lecturers at Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Implementation of CONMESS 3 as the agreed entry point for medical professionals.
The association also expressed appreciation for steps already taken by the government, such as:
Payment of Medical Residency Training Funds for 2024 and 2025.
Disbursement of clinical duty allowances for honorary consultants.
Provision of court allowances.
The NMA condemned rising incidents of assault and intimidation of medical personnel in the state and vowed to take legal action against perpetrators to protect its members.
“We remain deeply committed to our calling, but we must be treated with dignity and protected from harm in the line of duty,” Dr. Ogunjimi emphasized.
With approximately 1,000 doctors currently serving across state and federal health institutions in Ogun, the NMA urged the government to safeguard their welfare to sustain essential health services.
“Our doctors are still here, committed to saving lives. What we ask for is an environment that values and supports their sacrifice,” the NMA concluded.
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