Kebbi raises retirement age for health workers to 65, effective January 2026

The Kebbi State Executive Council has approved an upward review of the retirement age for medical and veterinary doctors in the state’s civil service from 60 to 65 years.

The decision, aimed at tackling manpower gaps and enhancing healthcare delivery, was announced on Monday in Birnin Kebbi by the Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training, Alhaji Auwal Manu Dogondaji.

According to the commissioner, the new policy also extends the maximum length of service for the affected professionals from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first. He explained that the move followed the governor’s efforts to strengthen the health sector and improve civil service efficiency.

Previously, medical and veterinary doctors in the state civil service retired at age 60 under the general public service retirement rules. The commissioner noted that persistent shortages of skilled personnel, professional migration, and growing healthcare demands necessitated the change.

He pointed out that many doctors reach their peak clinical experience and specialisation between ages 55 and 65, and forcing retirement at 60 leads to the loss of highly skilled consultants, surgeons, and specialists who remain fit and actively contribute to service delivery, training, and mentorship. The policy is designed to retain such experienced professionals.

The commissioner added that the measure aligns Kebbi with evolving national and global practices, noting that the federal government and several states, including Kogi, Niger, and Cross River, as well as many countries worldwide, have extended retirement ages for medical professionals to between 66 and 70 years.

He also stated that the extension would help curb the migration of experienced doctors to states with more attractive service conditions.

Veterinary doctors employed by the state government will also benefit from the new policy. However, officers retained beyond 60 years or 35 years of service must undergo annual medical fitness certification and maintain satisfactory performance ratings.

The policy is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026. Observers believe the decision will help preserve institutional knowledge, strengthen mentorship for younger doctors, and reduce workforce gaps in critical healthcare and veterinary services.