Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced a significant boost for medical doctors and nurses serving in rural areas, approving a 100% increase in rural allowances for doctors and a 40% increase for nurses.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during an extensive inspection tour of key projects in the northern part of the state.
The Governor’s tour included visits to Government Secondary School (GSS) Gubio, two general hospitals, and ongoing housing estates in Gubio and Magumeri Local Government Areas.
Speaking on the reason for the allowance hike, Zulum stated that the increase would address the challenge of human resources for health, which has been a major concern for his administration.
‘On investigation, I found that most of our medical doctors work in INGO facilities because of their salaries. INGOs pay better than state government salaries.
‘So we must ensure that our wages are fair. For this reason, as of January 1, all medical doctors working in rural communities identified by the hospital management board would receive a 100% increment equal to their total salaries. At the same time, nurses and midwives will receive 40%’, Zulum said.
The Governor expressed confidence that the move would bridge the gap and encourage medical personnel to serve in rural areas. He directed medical doctors and nurses willing to serve in general hospitals in the LGAs to report to the hospital management board.
During his visit to GSS Gubio, Zulum directed the immediate provision of necessary facilities for all laboratories and the library.
The Governor was accompanied by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, House of Representatives members, Usman Zannah, and Engr Bukar Talba, among other dignitaries.
The delegation also included Commissioners for Information and Internal Security, Works and Housing, Local Government and Emirates Affairs, and Water Resources, as well as senior government officials.
