Kebbi extends retirement age for medical, vet doctors to 65

The Kebbi State Executive Council has approved an extension of the retirement age for medical and veterinary doctors in the state civil service, raising it from 60 to 65 years. This decision aims to tackle manpower shortages and enhance healthcare delivery across the state.

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Medical and veterinary doctors in the State Civil Service were previously required to retire at the age of 60 in line with the general public service retirement policy.

The Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training, Alhaji Auwal Manu Dogondaji, announced the policy on Monday in Birnin Kebbi. The extension also increases the years of service for these professionals from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first. Governor Nasir Idris's administration initiated this policy to strengthen the health sector and boost civil service efficiency.

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You will find that many doctors attain their peak clinical experience and specialization between the ages of 55 and 65. Forcing retirement at 60 results in the loss of highly skilled consultants, surgeons and specialists who are still fit and actively contributing to service delivery, training and mentorship.

Dogondaji explained that previously, doctors retired at 60, a policy that led to the loss of highly skilled consultants and specialists who were still actively contributing and mentoring. "You will find that many doctors attain their peak clinical experience and specialization between the ages of 55 and 65. Forcing retirement at 60 results in the loss of highly skilled consultants, surgeons and specialists who are still fit and actively contributing to service delivery, training and mentorship," he stated.

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The Federal Government and some states, including Kogi, Niger and Cross River, as well as several countries around the world, have extended the retirement age for medical professionals to between 66 and 70 years.

This initiative aligns Kebbi State with evolving national and international practices, as the Federal Government and several other states, including Kogi, Niger, and Cross River, have adopted similar measures. Some countries extend retirement ages for medical professionals to between 66 and 70 years. The policy is also intended to reduce the migration of experienced doctors to states offering more attractive service conditions. Veterinary doctors employed by the state will also benefit. However, officers retained beyond 60 years or 35 years of service must undergo annual medical fitness certification and maintain satisfactory performance appraisals. The policy is set to take effect from January 1, 2026.

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Retention beyond 60 years or 35 years of service will be subject to annual medical fitness certification and satisfactory performance appraisal.