Niger State Health Workers Reject Rural Postings, Commissioner Warns

A significant challenge is emerging in Niger State, Nigeria, as over 70 percent of newly employed medical doctors and health workers are refusing assignments in rural areas, preferring urban postings. Dr. Murtala Bagana, the state's Commissioner of Health, announced that the government will no longer accept excuses for reposting requests from these health workers after they have received their employment letters.

“

More than 70 percent of Doctors employed prefer to work in urban areas.

Bagana made these remarks during an orientation for 396 staff, supported by Gavi, who are being absorbed into the Niger State Civil Service. He highlighted that while there are issues with the availability of healthcare workers, there is also a problem of mal-distribution, with a strong preference for urban centers. "We don’t want a situation where these newly absorbed workers are posted to a Primary Health Facility in the rural areas and for whatever reason they are requesting to be reposted to urban or choice areas," Bagana stated.

The commissioner also issued a stern warning, reminding the health workers that they are not immune to disciplinary actions, including queries and dismissal, for misconduct. He emphasized that there are numerous other medical practitioners waiting to fill any vacancies. "None of you (health workers) is immune to being queried or sacked for wrongdoings because there are thousands of persons who are waiting for replacement," he stressed.

“

Henceforth, we will not entertain excuses for reposting of any worker.

Despite these challenges, the state government is committed to ensuring a functional healthcare system. Bagana assured the newly employed workers that the government would provide all necessary equipment and a conducive working environment. Dr. Junaidu Inuwa, Executive Director of the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, added that plans are underway to recruit more ad-hoc workers into the civil service. He noted that Governor Umaru Bago has pledged to address the workforce shortfall by engaging enough health workers to adequately staff all Primary Health Centers (PHCs) across the state.

“

None of you (health workers) is immune to being queried or sacked for wrongdoings because there are thousands of persons who are waiting for replacement.