THE Kebbi State Government has approved an extension of the mandatory retirement age for medical and veterinary doctors in the state civil service from 60 to 65 years.
Under the revised policy, the maximum years of service for the affected professionals have also been increased from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first.
The decision was approved during the State Executive Council meeting held yesterday at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training, Auwal Dogondaji, said the move was aimed at retaining experienced healthcare professionals whose expertise remains valuable to the state’s health sector.
According to him, the council noted that the previous retirement age often led to the exit of highly skilled specialists, consultants, and surgeons who are generally at the peak of their careers between the ages of 55 and 65.
Dogondaji explained that extending their service years would enable the state to benefit from their experience while strengthening healthcare delivery, professional training, and mentorship within the sector.
He added that the policy is part of broader efforts by the state government to tackle ongoing challenges in the healthcare system, including shortages of medical personnel, the migration of healthcare workers, and staffing gaps created by retirements.
The commissioner confirmed that veterinary doctors are also beneficiaries of the new retirement policy.
However, he noted that doctors retained beyond the age of 60 or after completing 35 years of service must undergo annual medical fitness assessments and maintain satisfactory performance evaluations to remain in service.
Dogondaji further disclosed that the policy takes retrospective effect from January 1, 2026.
The state government believes the measure will help preserve critical expertise within the public health system and improve service delivery across Kebbi State.
