The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) have welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s approval to extend the retirement age for doctors and healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years.
The NMA confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday.
Dr Mannir Bature, the association’s National Publicity Secretary, said the move would address the gap in Nigeria’s healthcare workforce.
He added that the Coordinating Minister for Health, Professor Muhammad Pate, would present the approval to the Council on Establishment for final approval.
This follows a meeting on Tuesday in Abuja with various healthcare stakeholders, including NMA, MDCAN, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Joint Health Sector Unions.
Dr Bature also shared that the meeting covered several issues regarding the welfare of healthcare professionals.
He said, “The Coordinating Minister confirmed that funds have been secured to pay the arrears from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure. Payments will begin soon.”
The meeting also addressed corrections to the adjustments of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure following the new minimum wage.
Professor Bala Audu, NMA President, expressed his approval of the retirement age extension. “The increase is a welcome development. It wasn’t just an entitlement but a necessity. Many experienced doctors are retiring soon. Extending the retirement age will help keep them in service and maintain high-quality care,” he said.
MDCAN President Professor Muhammad Muhammad also supported the decision, saying it would improve healthcare delivery and address long-standing challenges in the sector.
The extension is viewed as a positive step in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system by retaining skilled professionals.
