From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Kebbi State Government has approved the extension of the retirement age and years of service for medical doctors in the state civil service as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and retain experienced professionals.
The decision was reached during a State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Nasir Idris, according to a statement issued by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris Sadaukin Zuru.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training, Alhaji Awwal Manu Dogondaji, disclosed that the retirement age for medical doctors has been increased from 60 to 65 years, while the maximum years of service have been extended from 35 to 40 years.
Dogondaji said the policy was introduced to address critical challenges facing the health sector, including a shortage of medical personnel, brain drain, growing healthcare demands, and the need to retain highly skilled professionals.
According to him, allowing doctors to retire at 60 years would deprive the state of experienced consultants, surgeons, and specialists whose expertise remains vital to healthcare service delivery, training, and mentorship.
He noted that the decision complements the state government’s significant investments in the health sector under Governor Idris’ administration.
The commissioner highlighted that the government has rehabilitated and equipped 24 general hospitals across the state, upgraded four hospitals in Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Yauri, and Zuru to specialist referral centres, and renovated hundreds of Primary Healthcare Centres.
Dogondaji also recalled that Governor Idris had earlier approved salary enhancements for medical doctors to bring their remuneration in line with those in federal and private health institutions.
The administration also absorbed more than 400 casual nursing staff into the state civil service.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of healthcare professionals while continuing the recruitment of qualified personnel to meet the healthcare needs of the state’s growing population.
The commissioner further noted that a similar retirement age extension was granted to teachers last year, increasing both the retirement age and years of service from 60 to 65 years and from 35 to 40 years respectively, as part of efforts to improve educational standards in Kebbi State.