Nigerian government assumes employment of 396 UNICEF and GAVI health workers

In an effort to strengthen health services in local communities, the Niger State Government has incorporated 396 health workers—nurses, midwives, and community health personnel—who were previously funded through a UNICEF and GAVI partnership, into the State Civil Service.

The workers received formal appointment letters at a ceremony attended by health officials and stakeholders in the state.

Commissioner for Health Dr. Murtala Mohammed Bagana, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Abdullahi Imam, explained that the move was necessary to maintain grassroots healthcare amid ongoing manpower shortages.

He noted that UNICEF and GAVI had initially partnered with the state after identifying gaps in human resources across many facilities. The partners had agreed to recruit young health professionals on the condition that the state would eventually assume their employment.

“Healthcare delivery is not only about buildings and equipment. Without trained personnel, quality services cannot be achieved,” he said.

Bagana highlighted that the program’s foundation was laid during former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello’s administration with a Memorandum of Understanding, and that Governor Muhammad Umar Bago continued the commitment, leading to the permanent absorption of the workers.

He added that many of the affected workers have already spent two to three years serving in rural communities and will remain in their current posts to build on the relationships and experience they have gained.

Bagana also mentioned that the workers will have opportunities to pursue further academic advancement and progress into higher professional cadres within the civil service.

The commissioner praised Governor Bago’s investments in the health sector, noting that over 3,000 healthcare professionals—including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, laboratory scientists, and community health workers—have been recruited in the past three years.

He further stated that 116 Level Two health facilities across the state have been upgraded to enhance access to maternal healthcare, immunisation, nutrition, and laboratory services.

Earlier, Executive Director of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr. Inuwa Junaidu described the development as a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services in Niger State.

Programme Manager Pharm. Daniel Jiya also spoke, saying the absorption marked the successful completion of a three‑year effort driven by collaboration among stakeholders. He urged the newly employed workers to remain dedicated to their responsibilities and to comply with civil service regulations.