Tinubu Approves 65-Year Retirement Age for Doctors, Healthcare Workers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers in Nigeria from 60 to 65 years. The decision was announced by the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Mannir Bature, in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos.

According to Bature, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, has been directed to 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 Pate and NMA President Bala Audu, along with key stakeholders in the health sector.

The meeting was attended by 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 focused on the progress of healthcare professionals’ welfare, including the payment of arrears resulting from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

Bature stated that the necessary funds for the arrears have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon. He also quoted the minister as confirming that Tinubu has 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 correction process is reportedly at an advanced stage, bringing much-needed financial relief to doctors and healthcare workers.

Additionally, the government has approved the implementation of new tariffs for healthcare service providers. This adjustment, which followed an extensive review initiated by the NMA, is expected to benefit members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN) by improving financial remuneration and ensuring the sustainability of healthcare services across the country.

Pate expressed appreciation for the patience and collaboration of all stakeholders and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare professionals. Attendees at the meeting also pledged to continue advocating for better conditions for health workers and ensuring the full implementation of key reforms.

The Nigerian Medical Association has long championed an increase in the retirement age of healthcare workers to address brain drain, enhance knowledge transfer, and improve healthcare delivery. Various health associations and unions have previously declared nationwide strikes over the non-implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS, making this approval a significant milestone in resolving longstanding grievances within the sector.