The Federal Government has approved the extension of the retirement age for clinically skilled health workers from 60 to 65, underscoring the need to enhance healthcare service delivery and sustain capacity-building in the sector.
This decision was disclosed by the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, during a meeting with key stakeholders in the medical and allied health fields.
Attendees included the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Bala Audu; President of the Medical & Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Prof. Muhammad Muhammad; National Secretary of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Comrade Martin Egbanubi; and President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Comrade Haruna Mamman.
According to a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Prof. Pate emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, granted approval for the exemption of clinically skilled health workers from the existing retirement age policy, with a clear directive to ensure due process in its implementation.
To facilitate this transition, the Ministry of Health will collaborate with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the National Council on Establishment, and other relevant stakeholders to formalize the policy shift.
Prof. Pate also acknowledged the relative peace and stability in the health sector over the past 18 months, commending health workers for their cooperation. He assured that efforts are ongoing to address the seven-month arrears of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
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“On the arrears, they will be sourced and released. We are on track for resolution,” he assured.
In response, NMA President Prof. Bala Audu lauded President Tinubu’s leadership in the Ministry of Health, emphasizing that the Coordinating Minister has fostered a culture of openness and dialogue with unions.
He reaffirmed the unions’ commitment to working collaboratively with the Ministry to finalize the retirement age extension and the settlement of outstanding arrears.
