The Bauchi State Government has approved a major improvement in the welfare of health workers across the state, with a 100 per cent increase in salaries and the introduction of special allowances for those working in rural and hard-to-reach areas. The decision is part of broader efforts by the state to strengthen healthcare delivery, improve staff morale, and ensure that communities outside urban centres have better access to medical services.
The approval was given by the Bauchi State Executive Council (SEC) during an extraordinary meeting held over the weekend. The Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Sani Dambam, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting.
According to Dr Dambam, the salary increase applies to medical and healthcare workers across the state and represents one of the most significant welfare packages ever approved for the health sector in Bauchi. He said the new salary structure would be supported by additional incentives aimed at encouraging health workers to serve in rural communities where there is often a shortage of skilled personnel.
He explained that special allowances, including outside-posting and rural allowances, have been approved for health workers posted outside local government headquarters. These allowances are meant to compensate workers for the challenges they face in remote areas, such as poor road networks, limited housing, and lack of basic social amenities.
“For many years, rural communities have suffered because health workers prefer to stay in cities where conditions are better,” Dr Dambam said. “With these new incentives, we expect more doctors, nurses, and other health professionals to accept postings to rural areas and remain there.”
The commissioner also revealed that the council approved the implementation of outstanding promotions for more than 2,000 healthcare workers in the state. Many of these workers, he noted, had waited several years for their promotions to be effected, despite meeting the required conditions.
He said the decisions were based on the recommendations of a special committee set up by the state government to review the scheme of service for healthcare workers and assess the financial implications. After careful consideration, the committee recommended a comprehensive review of salaries and benefits to address long-standing complaints within the sector.
“The outcome of the committee’s work is a 100 per cent review of the existing scheme of service,” Dr Dambam said. “This is a clear demonstration of the commitment of Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration to the welfare of health workers and the wellbeing of the people of Bauchi State.”
Health workers under the State Primary Healthcare Development Board will also benefit from the new allowances. According to the commissioner, this will help end disparities in welfare benefits between workers in different arms of the health sector, a situation that has often caused discontent and industrial actions in the past.
Beyond salary increases and allowances, the council also approved access to car and housing loans for doctors and other healthcare workers. Dr Dambam said this measure is aimed at reducing the financial pressure on workers and improving their standard of living.
“Healthcare workers dedicate their lives to saving others, often under very difficult conditions,” he said. “Providing access to car and housing loans will help them live better lives and focus more on their duties.”
To improve accountability and efficiency in the health sector, the state government also plans to introduce biometric and verification systems across health facilities. The commissioner explained that this would help ensure accurate records of staff strength, reduce absenteeism, and improve overall management of human resources.
The latest approvals come against the background of ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s health sector, including brain drain, poor funding, and inadequate staffing, especially in rural areas. Many health workers have left public service for better opportunities abroad or in private hospitals, citing poor pay and working conditions.
In Bauchi State, like in many other parts of the country, rural communities often rely on poorly equipped primary healthcare centres with limited staff. Pregnant women, children, and the elderly are usually the most affected, as they have to travel long distances to access quality healthcare.
Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Executive Council also approved N900 million for the recapitalisation of Yankari Savings and Loans, a state-owned financial institution. The Chief Economic Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed, Alhaji Yahuza Adamu Ningi, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the council meeting.
According to Ningi, the recapitalisation is necessary due to the strategic role of the bank in supporting the state’s economy. He said the injection of funds would help stabilise the institution and allow it to expand its operations.
“The sum of N900 million approved by the state government will not only stabilise the bank but also enable it to provide better banking services to the people of Bauchi State,” Ningi said. “This includes supporting small businesses, civil servants, and other residents who rely on the bank for financial services.”
Yankari Savings and Loans has, over the years, played an important role in providing loans and savings options for individuals and small enterprises in the state. However, like many financial institutions, it has faced challenges related to capital adequacy and operational capacity.
The state government believes that recapitalising the bank will strengthen its ability to contribute to economic growth, create jobs, and support development programmes. The move is also seen as part of broader efforts by the administration to stabilise state-owned institutions and improve service delivery.
Together, the decisions taken at the Executive Council meeting reflect the Bauchi State Government’s focus on both social welfare and economic development. While the salary increases and allowances aim to improve healthcare services and workers’ welfare, the bank recapitalisation is expected to boost economic activities across the state.