Reps approve Bill raising retirement age for health workers
The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill for second reading that aims to increase the retirement age for health workers from 60 to 65 and extend the service period from 35 to 40 years.
Dr. Wale Hammed (APC, Lagos), the bill’s sponsor, led the debate at plenary, emphasizing that the legislation would encourage experienced medical professionals to contribute to the health sector while mentoring younger colleagues.
He noted that the bill has the potential to transform healthcare, particularly in light of the “Japa syndrome,” which has seen many younger professionals leave the country.
While acknowledging that migration is an individual right that cannot be halted, he stated that adjusting the retirement age would allow those willing to work locally to remain in service longer.
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He stated, “Increasing the retirement age will help retain experienced healthcare workers, allowing them to continue contributing their expertise to the sector. This is especially important as the healthcare delivery system faces significant challenges, particularly a shortage of skilled professionals.”
He explained that Nigeria’s healthcare sector is currently suffering from a significant decline in both the number and quality of professionals due to two main factors.
“First, many health workers are migrating abroad in search of better opportunities—a trend that is difficult to stop due to the fundamental rights of individuals. Second, the compulsory retirement age of 60 and the mandatory 35 years of service outlined in public service rules are contributing to the exodus of experienced professionals.
“While we cannot control the first factor, we can address the second by upwardly reviewing the retirement age through this bill.
“We have precedents for such measures, as the federal government has previously raised the retirement age for certain categories of public servants, including judges, lecturers, and teachers.”
Contributing to the debate, Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) urged members to give the bill a clear direction, noting that some states have already increased the retirement age for health workers.
He pointed out that during hospital recruitment, specific qualifications are required, and there is often a shortage of consultants and experienced health professionals.
He argued that health professionals over 50, who are willing to continue contributing to the healthcare system, should be allowed to do so instead of being retired due to age or years of service.
Bello Ambarura also emphasized that many consultant positions in various Federal Medical Centres remain unfilled, while retiring professionals are being recruited by foreign agencies due to their experience.
He argued that raising the retirement age for health workers would greatly benefit the healthcare sector in the country.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at NeptunePrime.
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