President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years. The announcement was made by Dr. Mannir Bature, National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), in a statement released in Lagos.

The decision was communicated during a high-level meeting with key stakeholders in the health sector, including the NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and representatives from various healthcare associations. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, is set to present the approval to the Council on Establishment for finalization.

During the meeting, it was also noted that funds have been secured for the payment of arrears related to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and new tariffs for healthcare service providers have been approved. This move aims to alleviate the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and enhance the quality of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Dr. Bature emphasized that the NMA has advocated for the retirement age increase to address brain drain and improve knowledge transfer within the healthcare system. The decision comes as various health associations have previously declared strikes over issues such as unpaid salaries and the non-implementation of CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).