Kebbi Extends Retirement Age for Doctors to 65 Amid Healthcare Workforce Crisis

The Kebbi State Government has approved the extension of the retirement age for medical and veterinary doctors in its civil service, a move aimed at addressing manpower shortages and retaining experienced professionals within the state’s healthcare system.

Under the new policy approved by the State Executive Council (SEC), medical and veterinary doctors will now retire at the age of 65 years or after 40 years of service, whichever comes first.

Previously, retirement for public servants in the category was pegged at 60 years of age or 35 years of service, in line with existing public service regulations.

The Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training, Alhaji Auwal Dogondaji, announced the decision while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

Dogondaji explained that the state government considered the policy necessary after observing that many highly skilled specialists, consultants and surgeons were leaving public service at a period when they remained professionally active and capable of making valuable contributions to healthcare delivery.

According to him, the previous retirement framework often resulted in the loss of experienced medical personnel who were at the peak of their professional competence between the ages of 55 and 65.

“The State Executive Council observed that the earlier retirement policy was leading to the premature exit of highly skilled specialists, surgeons and consultants who are still active and capable of contributing significantly to healthcare services,” the commissioner said.

“By extending their years of service, Kebbi aims to retain these fit and active professionals so they can continue to contribute significantly to healthcare delivery, training and mentorship.”

He noted that the policy forms part of broader efforts by Governor Nasir Idris’ administration to strengthen the health sector and tackle persistent workforce challenges.

Dogondaji said the government was particularly concerned about the shortage of medical personnel, the migration of doctors to other countries in search of better opportunities and the widening gaps created by retirements and resignations within the health sector.

The commissioner added that veterinary doctors were also included in the policy because of their critical role in livestock management, food security and public health.

However, he stressed that doctors seeking to remain in service beyond the age of 60 or after completing 35 years of service would be required to meet specific conditions.

According to him, continued service under the new arrangement will be subject to annual medical fitness certification as well as satisfactory performance evaluations to ensure the highest standards of professional competence are maintained.

“SEC stipulated that retention beyond the age of 60 or 35 years of service shall be strictly subject to annual medical fitness certification and satisfactory performance appraisal,” he stated.

Dogondaji further disclosed that the policy takes retrospective effect from January 1, 2026.

The decision places Kebbi among states adopting measures to retain experienced healthcare professionals amid growing concerns over the shortage of doctors across Nigeria.

Healthcare stakeholders have repeatedly warned that the country’s medical sector is facing increasing pressure from the migration of doctors and other health workers abroad, a trend that has significantly affected service delivery in many public hospitals.

The Kebbi State Government believes the new retirement framework will not only preserve valuable expertise within the health system but also strengthen mentorship for younger professionals and improve healthcare outcomes for residents across the state.