President Bola Tinubu has approved the extension of the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years.
Dr. Mannir Bature, National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to Bature, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has been directed to present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalisation.
The policy shift was communicated during a high-level meeting attended by the NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, as well as leaders of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
Discussions at the meeting focused on improving the welfare of healthcare professionals. Prof. Pate confirmed that the arrears from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) are ready for payment, with necessary funds secured for disbursement.
Additionally, President Tinubu approved the correction of consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) following the implementation of the new minimum wage. The process is said to be at an advanced stage.
The government has also approved new tariffs for healthcare service providers, benefiting members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN) to enhance financial sustainability in the sector.
Prof. Pate reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving healthcare workers’ welfare and emphasised the importance of collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
The NMA had long advocated for increasing the retirement age to address brain drain, ensure better knowledge transfer, and improve healthcare delivery.