Governor Nasir Idris has approved the 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 announced after the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House and conveyed in a statement by the Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training, Auwal Manu Dogondaji.
Under the new policy, the length of service for medical and veterinary doctors has also been extended from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first.
Dogondaji said the council observed that the previous retirement policy often led to the premature exit of highly skilled specialists, surgeons and consultants who are typically at the peak of their professional experience between the ages of 55 and 65.
He explained that the policy forms part of the state government’s efforts to address persistent challenges in the health sector, including shortages of medical personnel, brain drain and workforce gaps created by retirements.
The commissioner clarified that veterinary doctors are fully covered by the retirement age extension.
He added that the government introduced safeguards to ensure service quality and professional competence.
According to him, retention beyond the age of 60 or 35 years of service will be subject to annual medical fitness certification and satisfactory performance appraisal.
The council maintained that only officers who meet the stipulated health and performance requirements will benefit from the extended service period.
The measure is expected to help retain experienced professionals in the state’s health sector while supporting improved service delivery across medical and veterinary institutions.
RN
