Jigawa, a role model for health sector reform in Nigeria- Zamfara Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office

Jigawa, a role model for health sector reform in Nigeria- Zamfara Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office

By Ali Baba-Inuwa
Dr. Usman Shehu Hassan, Chairman of the Zamfara State Health Workers Review and Implementation Committee, has described Jigawa State as a role model in Nigeria for its effective contributory pension and inclusive governance reforms, particularly in the health sector.
Usman, also the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Office of the Zamfara State Head of the Civil Service, stated that the committee, was constituted by Gov. Dauda Lawan, tasked with developing a viable salary structure for health workers in the state.
He emphasized the importance of learning from Jigawa State’s successful methodologies in reviewing health workers’ salaries, noting that it has been recognized for its significant progress in this area.
Usman said Zamfara State would copy fom the successes achieved in the Jigawa State Health Sector reforms aims at improving the welfare of health workers in Zamfara.
Responding, the Jigawa State Head of Service, Alhaji Muhammad Dagaceri, highlighted the state’s bold step in revitalizing its health sector through a newly approved salary structure for medical doctors and health workers, adding that this reform marks the end of a 15-year stalemate in remuneration, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the welfare of health professionals.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment and Service Matters, Alhaji Muhammad Yahaya Jabo, the HOS explained that the new salary structure aligned with the Federal Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

He stated that the new structure not only met but exceeded national standards in key areas, restoring hope and dignity to the health workforce during challenging times in healthcare delivery.

The Head of Service explained that investing in health workers is crucial for improving healthcare outcomes for communities.
“This reform has not only improved staff morale but has also significantly impacted healthcare delivery in Jigawa state. We believe the knowledge you acquire here will be invaluable as you work towards enhancing the welfare of health workers in Zamfara,” he said.