The Nigerian Government has approved the extension of the retirement age for clinically skilled health workers from 60 to 65 years to enhance healthcare service delivery and strengthen workforce capacity.
The approval, granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, during a meeting with key health sector leaders, including the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
In a statement by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, Prof. Pate emphasised that due process would be followed for the implementation in collaboration with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the National Council on Establishment, and other relevant stakeholders.
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He also reassured health workers that efforts were ongoing to clear the outstanding seven-month arrears of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), emphasizing that the government is committed to addressing their concerns.
“On the arrears, it will be sourced and released. We are on track for resolution,” Prof. Pate assured.
In response, NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, commended President Tinubu for strengthening leadership within the health sector. He also acknowledged the Coordinating Minister’s efforts in fostering transparency and dialogue with health unions.
Prof. Audu expressed the unions’ readiness to cooperate with the Ministry to ensure a smooth implementation of the retirement age extension and resolution of pending welfare matters.
The approval marks a significant step in addressing workforce shortages and retaining experienced professionals in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
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