Zulum Doubles Rural Allowances to Lure Doctors, Boost Healthcare in Borno Villages

Zulum Doubles Rural Allowances to Lure Doctors, Boost Healthcare in Borno Villages

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced a major incentive aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in rural communities, approving a 100 per cent increase in rural allowances for medical doctors and a 40 per cent increase for nurses and midwives serving under the Borno State Hospital Management Board (BHMB).

Governor Zulum made the announcement while briefing journalists after an extensive inspection tour of ongoing projects in the health, education and housing sectors across northern Borno.

The inspection covered Government Secondary School (GSS), Gubio, and two general hospitals, as well as ongoing housing estates in Gubio and Magumeri Local Government Areas.

Speaking on the decision, Zulum described the allowance review as a critical step toward addressing the persistent shortage of medical personnel in rural health facilities.

“The increase in rural allowances will be a game changer. Human resources for health have remained one of our biggest challenges. Despite our efforts, there is still a serious shortage of medical workers in many hospitals,” he said.

The governor revealed that findings by the state government showed that many doctors prefer working with international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) due to better pay and welfare packages.

“Our investigations showed that most doctors are attracted to INGO health facilities because of higher salaries and allowances. We must ensure that our wages are fair and competitive if we want quality healthcare services in our rural areas,” Zulum explained.

He disclosed that the new allowance structure will take effect from January 1, 2026, stressing that all medical doctors posted to rural communities identified by the Hospital Management Board will receive an allowance equal to 100 per cent of their basic salaries, while nurses and midwives will enjoy 40 per cent of their monthly salaries as rural posting incentives.

According to him, the policy is expected to close the manpower gap and encourage more health workers to accept postings to hospitals in villages across the state.

Zulum also directed that any medical personnel willing to serve in general hospitals at the local government level must formally report to the Hospital Management Board as a matter of policy.

During his visit to Government Secondary School, Gubio, the governor further ordered the immediate provision of essential facilities for laboratories and the school library, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving education alongside healthcare development.