BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, DECEMBER 31, 2025 | 09:47 PM

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has announced an increase in rural allowances for medical doctors and nurses, a move expected to directly benefit women, children, and other vulnerable groups in rural communities.

The governor made the announcement on Tuesday after an inspection tour of key projects in Gubio and Magumeri local government areas.

Under the new policy, medical doctors will receive a 100 percent rural allowance, while nurses and midwives will get a 40 percent increase in their total salaries.

He said the incentive aims to attract more qualified health personnel to rural hospitals, where critical services for women and children are often limited.

‘Human resources for health is one of our nightmares in this administration,’ the governor said, noting that many doctors prefer working with international organizations because of higher pay.

By improving salaries for health workers, the state aims to reduce gaps in maternal and child healthcare, ensuring more women have access to skilled medical attention during pregnancy and childbirth.

Children in rural communities are also expected to benefit from improved immunization, nutrition, and treatment for common illnesses, as more doctors and nurses become available at local hospitals.

The governor said the policy would also support vulnerable groups, including the elderly and people with disabilities, by making healthcare services more accessible and reliable in underserved areas.

‘This allowance increase will encourage more medical personnel to serve in rural hospitals, bridging the gap in healthcare delivery for our people,’ Zulum said.

During the tour, he also visited Government Secondary School Gubio and directed the immediate provision of laboratory and library facilities, which will enhance learning opportunities for children, particularly girls, in the community.

The inspection included two general hospitals and ongoing housing projects in Gubio and Magumeri.

This initiative is part of the state government’s broader strategy to strengthen healthcare and education services in rural areas, improving the welfare of women, children, and other vulnerable groups.