In a move aimed at boosting healthcare delivery across communities, the Niger State Government has absorbed 396 health workers previously funded under a UNICEF and GAVI-supported programme into the State Civil Service.
The workers, made up of nurses, midwives and community health personnel, were formally presented with appointment letters during a ceremony attended by health officials and stakeholders in the state.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Mohammed Bagana, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Abdullahi Imam, said the decision became necessary to sustain healthcare services at the grassroots where manpower shortages remain a major challenge.
He explained that UNICEF and GAVI had earlier partnered with the state after discovering gaps in human resources within many healthcare facilities.
According to him, the development partners agreed to support the recruitment of young healthcare professionals on the condition that the state government would eventually take over their employment.
“Healthcare delivery is not only about buildings and equipment. Without trained personnel, quality services cannot be achieved,” he said.
The commissioner noted that the foundation for the programme was laid during the administration of former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, while Governor Muhammad Umar Bago sustained the commitment that led to the permanent absorption of the workers.
He disclosed that many of the affected workers had already spent between two and three years serving in rural communities and would remain in their current duty posts to continue building on the relationships and experience they had gained.
Bagana added that the workers also have opportunities to advance academically and grow into higher professional cadres within the civil service.
The commissioner further commended Governor Bago’s investments in the health sector, revealing that over 3,000 healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, laboratory scientists and community health workers, have been recruited within the last three years.
He also stated that no fewer than 116 Level Two health facilities across the state have been upgraded to strengthen access to maternal healthcare, immunisation, nutrition and laboratory services.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Inuwa Junaidu, described the development as a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services in Niger State.
Also speaking, Programme Manager, Pharm. Daniel Jiya, said the absorption marked the successful completion of a three-year effort driven by collaboration among stakeholders.
He urged the newly employed workers to remain dedicated to their responsibilities and comply with civil service regulations.
