By Ayomide Otitoju
Governor Nasir Idris has approved an extension of the mandatory retirement age for medical and veterinary doctors in the Kebbi State Civil Service from 60 to 65 years.
The approval was granted during the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training, Auwal Dogondaji, said the new policy also extends the years of service for the affected professionals from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first.
According to Dogondaji, the council considered the need to retain experienced healthcare professionals, noting that many specialists, surgeons and consultants often reach the peak of their expertise between the ages of 55 and 65.
He said the previous retirement policy frequently led to the loss of highly skilled personnel whose services remained critical to healthcare delivery in the state.
“By extending their years of service, the State aims to retain these fit and active professionals so they can continue to make significant contributions to healthcare delivery, training and mentorship,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the policy is part of the state government’s efforts to address persistent challenges in the health sector, including shortages of medical personnel, migration of healthcare workers and workforce gaps created by retirements.
He added that doctors retained beyond the age of 60 or after completing 35 years of service would be required to undergo annual medical fitness assessments and maintain satisfactory performance ratings.
According to Dogondaji, the new retirement policy takes retrospective effect from January 1, 2026.
