Niger State health workers absorption: 396 UNICEF and GAVI-supported staff join civil service to boost grassroots healthcare delivery

The Niger State Government has absorbed 396 health workers previously supported under a UNICEF and GAVI-backed programme into the State Civil Service in a development aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery across rural communities in Nigeria.

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Niger State health workers absorption exercise was formalised during a ceremony where nurses, midwives, and community health personnel received their official appointment letters in the presence of senior health officials and development partners.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Murtala Mohammed Bagana, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Abdullahi Imam, said the decision was driven by the need to address persistent manpower shortages in primary healthcare centres across the state.

He explained that UNICEF and GAVI had earlier partnered with Niger State after identifying critical gaps in human resources within healthcare facilities, leading to the recruitment of young professionals to support service delivery in underserved areas.

According to him, the agreement was structured on the understanding that the state government would eventually take over full responsibility for the workers after the initial support period, ensuring continuity of care in rural communities.

The Commissioner noted that many of the newly absorbed staff had already spent between two and three years serving in remote locations, where they had built strong relationships with residents and contributed to improved access to basic healthcare services.

He added that the workers would remain in their current postings to sustain continuity, while also benefiting from opportunities for professional development within the civil service structure.

Dr Bagana further highlighted ongoing investments by the administration of Governor Muhammad Umar Bago in the health sector, including the recruitment of more than 3,000 healthcare professionals across various cadres in the last three years.

He also disclosed that 116 Level Two health facilities had been upgraded to improve access to maternal healthcare, immunisation, nutrition, and laboratory services, describing the reforms as part of a broader push to strengthen primary healthcare delivery.

Earlier, the Executive Director of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Inuwa Junaidu, described the absorption as a strong indication of government commitment to improving health outcomes across Niger State.

Programme Manager, Pharm Daniel Jiya, also commended the collaborative effort behind the initiative, noting that it marked the successful conclusion of a three-year partnership programme.

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He urged the newly absorbed workers to remain committed to their duties and adhere strictly to civil service regulations as they continue serving communities across the state.