Zamfara Converts 60 Volunteer Nurses to Permanent Staff Amid Healthcare Workforce Shortage

In a significant boost to its healthcare sector, the Zamfara State Government has approved the conversion of 60 volunteer nurses to permanent staff within the state’s civil service. This move is part of Governor Dauda Lawal’s ongoing commitment to address the critical shortage of medical personnel and enhance healthcare service delivery across the state.

The decision, which comes as a welcome development for the dedicated volunteers, aims to formalize their employment status and integrate them fully into the state’s healthcare system. It is expected to improve the patient-to-healthcare worker ratio, particularly in primary healthcare centers and general hospitals, many of which suffer from severe understaffing.

Zamfara State has long grappled with a significant deficit of skilled health workers, including doctors, nurses, and midwives. Challenges such as insecurity, limited infrastructure, and a preference for urban postings by healthcare professionals have exacerbated the situation, leaving many rural communities underserved. Governor Lawal’s administration has consistently emphasized its determination to bridge this gap, recognizing that functional healthcare facilities require an adequate and motivated workforce.

This recent directive to offer permanent employment to the 60 volunteer nurses builds on previous initiatives by the current administration. In January 2025, Governor Lawal notably granted automatic employment to 16 nursing graduates who were evacuated from Sudan due to the conflict in that country. These graduates, who completed their final examinations in Nigeria under the state’s arrangement, were immediately absorbed into the state’s workforce, showcasing the government’s resolve to harness available talent.

The Governor had previously declared a state of emergency in education, which extends to human capital development across all sectors, including health. By offering permanent positions, the state government aims to provide job security and motivation for healthcare professionals, encouraging them to remain and serve within Zamfara.

Healthcare stakeholders in the state have lauded the government’s efforts, describing the regularization of these nurses’ employment as a crucial step towards strengthening the healthcare system and improving access to quality medical care for all residents, especially those in hard-to-reach areas. The move is anticipated to not only boost morale among healthcare workers but also contribute significantly to better health outcomes for the populace.