In a policy shift aimed at addressing the shortage of clinical health workers in federal healthcare institutions, the Federal Government has increased the retirement age for skilled clinical health professionals in Federal Tertiary Hospitals and Centres from 60 to 65 years or from 35 to 40 years of service, whichever comes first.
Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, issued Circular Ref. No. HCSF/3065/Vol.1/227, communicating this directive. The policy aims to retain experienced health workers in specific federal health institutions, including teaching hospitals, Federal Medical Centres, and National Orthopaedic and Neuropsychiatric Hospitals.
The review targets 26 specific cadres of skilled clinical health professionals, such as Medical Officers, Nurses, Pharmacists, Radiographers, Physiotherapists, and Psychologists engaged in clinical services within these federal health institutions. Skilled clinical staff in Ministries and Extra-Ministerial Departments within the mainstream Civil Service are excluded from this policy extension.
Eligible officers who want to continue working beyond the former retirement age must apply at least three months before turning 60 or completing 35 years of service. Their applications should include a Medical Certificate of Fitness from a government-approved medical facility and a current practicing license from the relevant statutory regulatory body. Those retiring within three months of the policy’s start date had seven days to comply. The policy took effect on January 1, 2026, with guidelines to facilitate implementation across the affected institutions.
