President Bola Tinubu has approved increasing the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare professionals from 60 to 65 years.
This decision was announced in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos by Mannir Bature, the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
Bature explained that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, has been instructed to formally submit the approval to the Council on Establishment via the Office of the Head of Service for finalization.
During a high-level meeting with NMA President Bala Audu and other key health sector stakeholders, Professor Pate outlined the policy shift.
The meeting also included representatives from the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Joint Health Sector Unions.
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Discussions during the meeting focused on recent progress made to improve the welfare of doctors and other healthcare workers in Nigeria.
Pate also confirmed that arrears resulting from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure will soon be paid, with the necessary funds already secured for disbursement.
In addition, the minister noted that President Tinubu has approved corrective measures for both the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), adjustments that arose following the implementation of the new minimum wage.
“The process to effect this correction is at an advanced stage, promising much-needed relief for doctors and healthcare workers,” Pate stated.
Following an extensive review initiated by the NMA, the approval for new tariffs for healthcare service providers was also granted.
This initiative is expected to benefit members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN), ensuring improved financial remuneration and the sustainability of healthcare services nationwide.
Pate expressed his appreciation for the patience and collaboration of all stakeholders and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of healthcare workers.
He emphasised that continued collaboration is crucial for strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
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Attendees at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to advocate for the welfare of healthcare workers and to ensure the full implementation of these key reforms.
The NMA has long championed raising the retirement age from 60 to 65 as a strategy to address brain drain, facilitate knowledge transfer, and enhance the quality of healthcare delivery.
Meanwhile, various health associations have declared nationwide strikes over the non-implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS for doctors and healthcare workers.
