The Niger State Government has formally absorbed 396 health workers previously engaged under a programme supported by UNICEF and GAVI into the state civil service.
The Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr. Murtala Mohammed Bagana, said the development forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and address manpower shortages across health facilities in the state.
Speaking during the presentation of appointment letters, Dr. Bagana—represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Primary Healthcare, Dr. Abdullahi Imam—explained that healthcare services are community-based and require adequate personnel to function effectively.
He noted that development partners, including UNICEF and GAVI, had identified gaps in human resources within healthcare facilities and engaged the state government on strategies to address the challenge.
Dr. Imam added that while government investment in infrastructure and medical equipment remains important, quality healthcare delivery cannot be achieved without sufficient manpower.
According to him, the partners expressed interest in supporting young healthcare professionals but sought assurances that beneficiaries would eventually be integrated into the permanent workforce, given the long-term demand for health workers.
He recalled that the administration of Abubakar Sani Bello had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the initiative, while Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago sustained the commitment, paving the way for the formal absorption of the personnel.
The Commissioner disclosed that the newly absorbed workers—comprising nurses, midwives, and community health personnel—had already spent between two and three years serving in various communities across the state.
He added that they would remain in their current locations where they have gained experience and built relationships with residents, noting that opportunities also exist for further education and professional advancement.
Dr. Bagana commended Governor Bago for sustained investment in the health sector, revealing that over 3,000 healthcare workers, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, laboratory scientists, and community health personnel, have been recruited in the last three years.
He further disclosed that about 116 Level 2 health facilities have been upgraded to expand 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 absorption of the GAVI-supported personnel as a reflection of the governor’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, stressing that human resources remain critical to effective service delivery.
Also speaking, the Programme Manager, Pharm. Daniel Jiya, described the event as the outcome of three years of collaboration and sustained commitment among stakeholders. He urged the newly absorbed staff to see their appointments as a privilege and to adhere strictly to civil service rules and regulations.
