Gombe, Nigeria — The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Gombe State branch, has commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for approving the full implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for all health workers in the state.
The long-awaited approval, announced during the maiden Gombe State Health Summit held on October 2–3, 2025, is set to take effect from November. The new policy harmonises the salaries of state health workers with those of their federal counterparts, effectively ending years of pay disparity.
In a statement signed by the NMA Chairman, Dr. Ahmad Girbo, the association described the decision as “a landmark approval and transformative new dawn for the healthcare sector in Gombe State.”
According to the NMA, this development will not only enhance the welfare of healthcare professionals but also improve retention, curb brain drain, and attract skilled workers to the state’s health system.
“This visionary and decisive action harmonises the remuneration of state health workers with their federal counterparts. It marks a monumental leap forward and a clear testament to the Governor’s deep commitment to prioritising the welfare of healthcare professionals,”
— Dr. Ahmad Girbo, NMA Chairman.
The association highlighted the move as a key part of Governor Yahaya’s broader strategy to strengthen the health sector, citing major reforms including:
- The transformation of Gombe State Specialist Hospital.
- Revitalisation of primary healthcare centres and general hospitals.
- Establishment of the College of Nursing and Midwifery.
- Introduction of state health programs such as GoHealth and GoPharma.
The NMA further noted that the implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS is not just a financial adjustment, but “a strategic investment in the health security of Gombe State.”
It also recognised the contributions of key stakeholders to the success of the initiative, including Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who declared the summit open, as well as the Minister of Health, the Deputy Governor, Commissioner for Health Dr. Habu Dahiru, and officials from the State Hospital Management Board and GoHealth.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government to ensure that this new wage policy translates into better healthcare outcomes.
“We pledge our continued partnership with the government and remain committed to ensuring that this landmark gesture results in sustained, compassionate service delivery across all health facilities in Gombe State,”
— the NMA statement concluded.
Governor Yahaya’s action has been widely praised by medical professionals and policy observers as a decisive step toward restoring confidence in the state’s health system and boosting healthcare delivery across the region.
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