FG approves retirement age for health workers 

The Federal Government has approved the extension of the retirement age for clinically skilled health workers from 60 to 65, highlighting the need to improve healthcare service delivery and sustain capacity-building within the sector.

This decision was announced by the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, during a meeting with key stakeholders in the medical and allied health fields.

Among those present were the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Professor Bala Audu; President of the Medical & Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Professor Muhammad Muhammad; National Secretary of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Comrade Martin Egbanubi; and President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Comrade Haruna Mamman.

In a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Professor Pate emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had granted approval for the exemption of clinically skilled health workers from the existing retirement age policy, with a clear directive to ensure proper implementation.

To facilitate this transition, the Ministry of Health will collaborate with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the National Council on Establishment, and other relevant stakeholders to formalise the policy shift.

Professor Pate also acknowledged the relative peace and stability in the health sector over the past 18 months, commending health workers for their cooperation.

He assured that efforts were underway to address the seven-month arrears of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

“Regarding the arrears, they will be sourced and released. We are on track for resolution,” he said.

In response, NMA President Professor Bala Audu praised President Tinubu’s leadership in the Ministry of Health, adding that the Coordinating Minister had fostered a culture of openness and dialogue with unions.

Professor Audu further reaffirmed the unions’ commitment to working collaboratively with the Ministry to finalise the retirement age extension and the resolution of outstanding arrears.

By Ifeoma Nwovu