By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved a significant increase in rural allowance...
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved a significant increase in rural allowances for medical personnel, with a 100 per cent increment for doctors and a 40 per cent increase for nurses and midwives serving in rural communities across the state.
The governor made the announcement on Tuesday during an extensive inspection tour of key government projects in the northern part of Borno State.
Governor Zulum’s tour included visits to the Government Secondary School (GSS) Gubio, two general hospitals, and ongoing housing estates in Gubio and Magumeri Local Government Areas.
Explaining the rationale behind the allowance hike, the governor said the move was aimed at addressing the persistent shortage of healthcare workers in rural areas, which has been a major challenge for his administration.
“Upon investigation, I discovered that most of our medical doctors prefer working in facilities operated by international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) because of better remuneration. The salaries paid by INGOs are higher than those of the state government,” Zulum said.
“We must therefore ensure that our wages are competitive. Consequently, with effect from January 1, all medical doctors working in rural communities, as identified by the Hospital Management Board, will receive a 100 per cent rural allowance equivalent to their total salaries. Nurses and midwives will receive a 40 per cent increase,” he added.
Governor Zulum expressed optimism that the policy would bridge the manpower gap in the health sector and encourage more medical personnel to accept postings to rural areas. He directed doctors and nurses willing to serve in general hospitals across the local government areas to report to the Hospital Management Board.
During his visit to GSS Gubio, the governor also ordered the immediate provision of essential facilities for the school’s laboratories and library to enhance effective teaching and learning.
The governor was accompanied on the tour by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, members of the House of Representatives including Usman Zannah and Engr. Bukar Talba, as well as other top government officials.
Also part of the delegation were the Commissioners for Information and Internal Security, Works and Housing, Local Government and Emirates Affairs, and Water Resources, alongside other senior government functionaries.
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