The Kebbi State Government has made a bold move to address the acute shortage of medical professionals in the state by approving the extension of the retirement age for doctors to 65 years. This decision, which takes retrospective effect from January 1, 2026, aims at retaining fit and active professionals who can continue to contribute significantly to healthcare delivery, training, and mentorship.
The Commissioner for Establishment, Pension, and Training, Auwal Dogondaji, announced the development following the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held on Monday at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi. Dogondaji stated that according to the SEC, the previous public service retirement policy had led to the premature loss of highly skilled specialists, surgeons, and consultants who were often at the peak of their clinical experience between 55 and 65 years of age. This policy had resulted in the loss of professionals who were in the prime of their careers.
By extending their years of service, Kebbi aims to retain these professionals, who are in high demand globally, to address persistent challenges in the health sector. The brain drain of medical professionals has been a significant concern for Nigeria, and this move is a welcome relief. Medical professionals are in short supply, and Kebbi State's move could serve as a model for other states to address the same issue.
The extension applies to both medical and veterinary doctors, and to ensure the highest standards of service delivery, retention beyond the age of 60 or 35 years of service shall be strictly subject to annual medical fitness certification and satisfactory performance appraisal. This means that doctors will be evaluated annually to ensure they meet the required standards.
Critics have raised concerns that this move may lead to a reduction in the number of new doctors entering the workforce, as some may be less motivated to pursue a career in medicine if they know they can retire earlier. This could result in fewer qualified doctors becoming available for the state, exacerbating the shortage. However, the Kebbi State government's decision is a crucial step towards addressing the acute shortage of medical professionals and ensuring that the state's healthcare delivery system is strengthened.
With this new policy, Kebbi State joins the league of states working to retain their skilled healthcare professionals. The move is also in line with the federal government's efforts to revamp the healthcare system, which has been struggling to retain experienced professionals. The country has been grappling with the loss of experienced doctors, and Kebbi State's decision could serve as a model for other states to follow.
As of 2026, the retirement age for doctors in Kebbi State stands at 65 years, compared to the national standard of 60 years. This means that doctors in Kebbi can continue to work for five additional years, which can have a positive impact on the state's healthcare delivery system. The decision to extend the retirement age is seen as a strategic move to boost healthcare delivery in the state. With this new policy, the state government aims to retain the expertise of experienced doctors and enhance the quality of healthcare services provided to residents.