By Victor Ahiuma-Young

BIRNIN KEBBI — Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, has commended Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, for approving the extension of the retirement age and years of service for medical and veterinary doctors in the state civil service.
Under the new policy, the mandatory retirement age for doctors has been increased from 60 to 65 years, while the maximum years of service have been extended from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first.
Dr. Sununu, who is also the APC House of Representatives candidate for Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency in the 2027 elections, described the decision as a landmark reform that would strengthen healthcare delivery and retain experienced professionals in the public service.
In a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi , the former minister said the issue had remained a major concern for medical practitioners across the country, noting that efforts to achieve a similar policy at the national level had yet to yield results.

According to him, Kebbi State’s unique employment structure often saw medical, veterinary, nursing and midwifery students granted permanent and pensionable appointments during their training, significantly reducing the number of years available for active service after graduation and career progression.

He explained that the arrangement had led to many doctors and nurses retiring between the ages of 54 and 55, depriving the state’s health sector of highly experienced professionals at the peak of their competence.

Sununu noted that previous attempts to address the challenge through contract appointments failed to adequately fill the gap because contract staff often differed from regular employees in terms of responsibilities, institutional commitment and long-term engagement.

He said Governor Idris’ decision would not only improve productivity in the health sector but also strengthen mentorship opportunities for younger professionals and enhance leadership and governance within healthcare institutions.

“Experience, leadership capacity, empathy and dedication increase with age and years of service,” he said, adding that the governor’s action was both timely and justified.

The former minister further praised Governor Idris for what he described as a courageous and worker-friendly decision, saying it reflected the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of civil servants.
He also commended the governor for addressing salary anomalies inherited from previous administrations and expressed optimism that more reforms would follow, particularly in the area of teachers’ welfare following the inauguration of a committee on primary school teachers’ welfare.

Sununu maintained that the governor’s people-oriented policies continue to position Kebbi State as a model for public service reforms and human resource development, especially in critical sectors such as healthcare.

The extension of the retirement age is expected to boost manpower retention in the health sector and ensure that experienced medical professionals remain available to support healthcare delivery across the state.