Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has approved a significant upward review of rural allowances for health workers in a bid to tackle the persistent shortage of medical personnel in remote communities across the state.
The governor announced the decision during an inspection tour of government projects in the northern axis of Borno, which included Government Secondary School, Gubio; two general hospitals; and ongoing housing projects in Gubio and Magumeri Local Government Areas.
Under the revised policy, medical doctors posted to rural areas under the State Hospital Management Board will now receive a rural allowance equivalent to 100 per cent of their basic salary. Nurses and midwives deployed to similar locations will receive a 40 per cent increase in their rural allowances. The new incentive takes effect from January 1.
Governor Zulum said the decision was driven by acute manpower deficits in public health facilities, particularly in rural areas.
“We are facing serious challenges with human resources for health. Many of our hospitals do not have enough doctors and nurses,” the governor said. “Our assessments show that many professionals prefer to work with international organisations due to better remuneration. We must respond to this reality.”
He noted that the enhanced welfare package is expected to make rural postings more attractive and encourage qualified health workers to serve in general hospitals at the local government level. He added that health personnel willing to take up rural postings should report to the State Hospital Management Board.
During the visit to Government Secondary School, Gubio, the governor also ordered the immediate provision of essential laboratory and library facilities to improve the quality of teaching and learning.
The inspection tour was attended by the Senator representing Borno North, Mohammed Tahir Monguno; members of the House of Representatives, Usman Zannah and Engr. Bukar Talba; as well as commissioners and senior government officials overseeing information, works and housing, local government affairs, and water resources.
The allowance increase is part of the Zulum administration’s broader strategy to strengthen public service delivery and improve healthcare access and living standards in rural communities across Borno State.
