The Kebbi State Government has approved the extension of the mandatory retirement age for medical and veterinary doctors in the state civil service, in a move aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and addressing manpower shortages.
Under the new policy, the retirement age for affected professionals has been raised from 60 to 65 years, while the years of service have also been extended from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first.
The decision was reached during the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.
The Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training, Auwal Dogondaji, disclosed the development while briefing journalists after the meeting, noting that the policy was designed to retain experienced professionals in the health sector.
According to him, the council observed that the previous retirement structure often led to the exit of highly skilled specialists, surgeons and consultants who are still at the peak of their expertise between the ages of 55 and 65.
“By extending their years of service, the state aims to retain these fit and active professionals so they can continue to make significant contributions to healthcare delivery, training, and mentorship,” he said.
Dogondaji explained that the reform is part of the state government’s broader efforts to address ongoing challenges in the health sector, including shortages of medical personnel, workforce gaps created by retirements, and the migration of healthcare workers.
He added that veterinary doctors are also covered under the new retirement arrangement.
However, he stated that continued retention beyond the age of 60 or 35 years of service would be subject to annual medical fitness certification and satisfactory performance appraisal.
“The new retirement policy takes retrospective effect from January 1, 2026,” he added.
The policy is expected to help Kebbi State retain experienced medical professionals longer, a move authorities believe will strengthen healthcare delivery and improve service efficiency across the state’s health and veterinary systems.
