The Niger State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, has assured GAVI-supported health workers in Niger State that arrangements have been concluded for their full incorporation into the Niger State Civil Service beginning from March 2026.
Dr. Bagana gave this assurance on Wednesday while addressing GAVI staff during an interactive meeting, where he acknowledged their dedication, sacrifices, and commitment to service delivery, particularly at facility and community levels across the State. He noted that the government is aware of their challenges and hard work and has therefore resolved to formally absorb them into the State Civil Service.
GAVI, a Vaccine Alliance, is a global public-private partnership that works to increase access to life-saving vaccines, particularly for children and vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries.
The Commissioner, however, urged the staff to adhere to certain conditions once their appointment letters are issued. He appealed to them not to agitate for arrears after confirmation into the Civil Service, stressing the need for stability and cooperation in the interest of the health system. He further advised them to remain at their initial places of posting, noting that their deployment was based on service needs in those locations, and cautioned against unnecessary requests for transfers.
Dr. Bagana also emphasized the importance of proper documentation following the issuance of appointment letters, adding that accurate records are critical for accountability and effective personnel management within the Civil Service.
In his remarks, the Director of Disease Control, Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Samuel Jiya, informed the Commissioner that GAVI-supported staff are currently serving across several local government areas of the State, including Shiroro, Agwara, and Mashegu. He commended them for their continued commitment and encouraged them to keep improving their skills through capacity development, effective planning, and adherence to the ethics of both the medical profession and the Civil Service.
Earlier, the leader of the GAVI staff, Aminu Adam, expressed appreciation to the State government, the Primary Health Care Development Agency, and other partners for the opportunity given to them to serve their communities. He explained that the visit was to officially congratulate the Honourable Commissioner on his recent appointment on behalf of the 318 GAVI staff in the state.
He further informed the Commissioner that although the approval for their appointment has been granted, the staff are yet to receive their formal appointment letters. He added that salaries were paid up to the end of 2025, but payments for 2026 are still outstanding, and appealed to the Commissioner to intervene to ensure continued salary payments.
