Kebbi raises doctors’ retirement age to 65, extends service to 40 years

The Kebbi State Government has enacted a new retirement policy that allows medical and veterinary doctors in the state civil service to serve until the age of 65.

The policy was approved by the State Executive Council during its meeting on Monday at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.

Under the revised arrangement, the retirement age for doctors has been increased from 60 to 65 years, and the maximum years of service have been extended from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first.

Auwal Manu Dogondaji, the Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training, explained that the measure was introduced to prevent the loss of experienced specialists, surgeons and consultants, many of whom reach the peak of their professional expertise between the ages of 55 and 65.

He said: “By extending their years of service, the State aims to retain these fit and active professionals so they can continue to contribute significantly to healthcare delivery, training and mentorship.”

According to the commissioner, the change is part of broader efforts to address challenges facing the health sector, including shortages of doctors, the migration of medical professionals, and workforce gaps created by retirements.

Dogondaji clarified that veterinary doctors are also covered by the policy.

He added: “However, to ensure the highest standards of service delivery, the Council stipulated that retention beyond the age of 60 or 35 years of service shall be strictly subject to annual medical fitness certification and satisfactory performance appraisal.”

The policy takes retrospective effect from January 1, 2026.