President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and healthcare workers in Nigeria from 60 to 65 years.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Mannir Bature, announced this in a statement on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, in Lagos.
Bature said the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has been directed to formally present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalization.
He explained that Prof. Pate confirmed the policy 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 of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Joint Health Sector Unions.
According to Bature, discussions at the meeting focused on improving the welfare of doctors and other healthcare professionals.
“The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement of arrears resulting from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure will commence soon,” he said.
He also quoted Prof. Pate as saying that President Tinubu has approved the correction of salary adjustments for CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure to reflect 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,” Pate said.
Bature also noted that after an extensive review by the NMA, approval has been granted for the implementation of new tariffs for healthcare service providers.
“This will particularly benefit members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses, ensuring better financial remuneration and sustainability for healthcare services nationwide,” he said.
Bature added that Prof. Pate thanked healthcare workers for their patience and cooperation and assured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving their welfare.
“The minister emphasized that collaboration is crucial to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector. Stakeholders at the meeting renewed their commitment to working together to advocate for healthcare workers and ensure the full implementation of key reforms,” Bature said.
The Nigerian Medical Association has long pushed for an increase in the retirement age of healthcare workers to address brain drain, improve knowledge transfer, and enhance quality healthcare delivery.
Various health unions have previously staged nationwide strikes over the non-implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS for doctors and healthcare workers.
