The Federal Government has approved the creation of two new cadres for paramedical personnel in the public service, a move expected to provide clearer career pathways for workers in the field.

The decision was reached at the 48th meeting of the National Council on Establishments (NCE), held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, from July 20 to 24, 2026.

The meeting, chaired by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, was attended by Heads of Service from 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as Permanent Secretaries and other senior public servants.

Among the resolutions adopted by the council was the creation and inclusion of the Paramedics Assistant and Paramedics Technician cadres in the Schemes of Service.

The Paramedics Assistant cadre was approved for Salary Grade Levels 04 to 07, while the Paramedics Technician cadre will cover Salary Grade Levels 06 to 14.

The council also approved a Harmonised Entry Point Framework to guide entry into public service cadres.

The development provides formal recognition for paramedical personnel within the public service structure and could create opportunities for structured recruitment, career progression and remuneration for workers in the field.

The council, however, noted that a Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis being conducted by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation would inform future consideration of requests for the creation of additional cadres.

Five other requests for new cadres were reportedly stepped down pending the outcome of the exercise.

The approval comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s health workforce, particularly in areas requiring additional personnel and skills across the country’s healthcare system.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, under the Coordinating Minister, Muhammad Ali Pate, has identified health workforce development as an important component of the government’s broader health sector reform agenda.

The creation of the two cadres could therefore provide a formal structure for a category of health workers whose roles have not previously had clearly defined career pathways within the public service.

The decision is also expected to attract attention from paramedical practitioners and professional groups, particularly as implementation begins across relevant federal and state institutions.

Stakeholders will be watching how the new cadres are incorporated into recruitment, promotion and remuneration structures, as well as the qualifications and entry requirements that will apply to prospective applicants.

The development follows years of advocacy by practitioners and other stakeholders for greater recognition of paramedical personnel within Nigeria’s public health system.

If effectively implemented, the new structure could strengthen workforce planning and provide a clearer progression route for paramedics working in emergency and frontline healthcare services.