President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare professionals in Nigeria. The new policy raises the retirement age from 60 to 65 years, aiming to strengthen the health sector by retaining experienced professionals for a longer period.
The announcement was made by the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Mannir Bature, in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos. He revealed that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has been directed to submit the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for final confirmation.
Prof. Pate conveyed this development during a high-level meeting with NMA President Prof. Bala Audu and other key stakeholders in the health sector. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Joint Health Sector Unions.
Bature noted that discussions at the meeting covered issues related to the welfare of healthcare workers, including salary arrears. According to him, the coordinating minister confirmed that the arrears from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) have been secured, and payments to beneficiaries will begin soon.
“The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon,” he stated.
In addition, the minister said that President Tinubu had approved corrections to the consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) following the implementation of the new minimum wage.
“The process to effect this correction is at an advanced stage, providing much-needed relief to doctors and other healthcare workers,” he added.
Bature also mentioned that, after a review initiated by the NMA, approval has been granted for the implementation of new tariffs for healthcare service providers. This decision is expected to benefit members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN), ensuring better financial stability for healthcare services nationwide.
Prof. Pate expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their patience and collaboration, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare professionals. He noted that continued cooperation is essential for strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
