NIGER ABSORBS 396 UNICEF/GAVI-SUPPORTED HEALTH WORKERS INTO CIVIL SERVICE
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Niger State Government has absorbed 396 health workers previously engaged under a UNICEF and GAVI-supported healthcare programme into the state civil service as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and address manpower shortages across communities.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana, disclosed this during the presentation of appointment letters to the beneficiaries, describing the move as a significant step toward improving access to quality healthcare services at the grassroots level.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Abdullahi Imam, the commissioner said the absorption of the workers underscores the government’s commitment to sustaining healthcare services across the state.
He explained that healthcare delivery largely takes place within communities and primary healthcare facilities, making the availability of skilled personnel critical to effective service provision.
According to him, development partners, including UNICEF and GAVI, had earlier identified serious shortages of healthcare personnel in the state’s health facilities and initiated discussions with the government to address the challenge.
“While government may provide modern infrastructure and medical equipment, effective healthcare delivery cannot be achieved without adequate manpower,” Bagana said.
He noted that the development partners had invested in training and supporting young healthcare professionals on the condition that the state government would eventually integrate them into permanent service due to the long-term nature of healthcare needs.
The commissioner revealed that the initiative began under the administration of former Governor Abubakar Bello, who signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the programme, while Governor Muhammad Umar Bago reaffirmed the commitment, paving the way for the workers’ eventual absorption.
Bagana disclosed that the newly employed personnel comprise nurses, midwives, and community health workers who have already spent between two and three years serving in various communities across the state.
He added that the workers would continue serving in the same communities where they have built experience and established strong relationships with residents, while also having opportunities to further their education and advance professionally.
The commissioner commended Governor Bago for prioritising the health sector, revealing that more than 3,000 healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, laboratory scientists, and community health workers, have been recruited over the past three years.
He further disclosed that about 116 Level-Two healthcare facilities have been upgraded to improve access to essential services such as maternal healthcare, immunisation, nutrition, and laboratory services.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Inuwa Junaidu, described the absorption of the workers as a demonstration of the governor’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.
He stressed that human resources remain a critical component of effective healthcare service delivery.
Also speaking, Programme Manager, Pharm. Daniel Jiya, described the employment exercise as the culmination of a three-year collaborative effort among stakeholders.
He urged the newly absorbed workers to regard their appointments as a privilege and to discharge their duties diligently while adhering strictly to civil service rules and regulations.
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