FG EXTENDS RETIREMENT AGE FOR SKILLED HEALTH WORKERS TO 65 06-02-25
By Sadiq Aminu The Federal Government has approved the extension of retirement age for clinically skilled health workers from 60 to 65 years, emphasizing the need to enhance healthcare delivery and strengthen the capacity to train future professionals.
The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, confirmed the decision during a meeting with key stakeholders in the medical and allied health sectors in Abuja.
He explained that President Bola Tinubu approved the extension with a mandate to follow due process for its implementation.
To actualize this directive, Prof. Pate stated that the Ministry would collaborate with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the National Council on Establishment, and other relevant stakeholders.
He also assured them that the payment of seven months’ arrears of CONMESS and CONHESS is in progress.
Responding, President of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Bala Audu, commended President Tinubu for restoring strong leadership in the health sector.
He also appreciated Prof. Pate for fostering transparency and dialogue with unions, and assured that medical professionals would cooperate to ensure the smooth implementation of the new retirement policy and the resolution of outstanding arrears.
A statement by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Alaba Balogun, confirmed that the meeting was attended by key representatives from 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).