Mirian Gom 
KADUNA, Nigeria – The Kaduna State Government has announced plans to recruit 9,000 additional health personnel over the next five years as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s healthcare delivery system and advance its Universal Health Coverage goals.
The State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed the plan on Sunday during a one-day Media Engagement Meeting organised by the Kaduna Contributory Health Insurance Authority (KADCHMA) in collaboration with the UK-supported health programme Lafiya: UK–Nigeria Partnership for a Healthier Future.
Maiyaki explained that Governor Uba Sani had already approved the immediate recruitment of 1,800 health workers across various clinical and support categories, describing it as the first phase of a sustained workforce expansion strategy.
“This feat will be replicated yearly for the next five years to boost the state’s health workforce,” he said.
He noted that the administration has elevated healthcare as a fundamental right, not just a priority, since May 2023, reflected in the state’s health sector budget allocation which he said now stands well above the national benchmark of 15 percent.
Maiyaki also highlighted improvements in health worker compensation, stating that enhanced salary structures have significantly increased retention and drawn healthcare professionals back to the state.
“Doctors and other health workers are now returning to Kaduna’s health sector,” he said, adding that Kaduna now leads all 19 northern states in health workforce strengthening initiatives.
He urged journalists to enhance public awareness and promote health-seeking behavior among residents, describing media participation as key to the success of the administration’s health reforms.
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