President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Mannir Bature, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos. He said the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has been directed to formally present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalization.
The policy shift was conveyed during a high-level meeting between the NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and key stakeholders, including 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 focused on the welfare of healthcare professionals and ongoing reforms in the sector.
Bature stated that the minister confirmed the approval of arrears from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), with secured funds set for disbursement soon. Additionally, Tinubu approved corrections to consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) following the implementation of the new minimum wage.
The government has also approved new tariffs for healthcare service providers, particularly benefiting members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN), to enhance financial sustainability in the sector.
Prof. Pate expressed appreciation for the patience and collaboration of stakeholders and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare workers’ welfare. He emphasized that strengthening Nigeria’s health sector requires collective efforts.
The NMA has long advocated for extending the retirement age to address brain drain, facilitate knowledge transfer, and enhance healthcare delivery.
