A bill seeking to raise the retirement age for health workers in the nation from 60 to 65 years and extending the years of service from 35 to 40 passed a second reading on Thursday before members of the House of Representatives.
During the plenary debate on the bill, its proponent, Dr. Wale Hammed (APC, Lagos), articulated that this legislation aims to retain seasoned medical professionals, thereby fostering the growth of the health sector while simultaneously mentoring younger practitioners.
He emphasized that this initiative has the potential to transform the healthcare landscape, noting that the ongoing Japa syndrome negatively impacts the sector, as it is predominantly the younger workforce that is emigrating.
Dr. Hammed acknowledged that while it may not be feasible to prevent migration due to individual rights, adjusting the retirement age could facilitate the retention of those who wish to continue serving locally for a longer duration.
He said, “Increasing the retirement age will retain experienced healthcare workers, allowing them to continue contributing their expertise to the sector, as it is particularly important at this time that the healthcare delivery system faces significant challenges, especially a shortage of skilled professionals.
“Nigeria’s healthcare sector is currently experiencing a significant depletion in both the number and quality of professionals due to two main factors.
“Firstly, a substantial number of health workers are migrating abroad in search of the proverbial golden fleece—a trend difficult to stop given the fundamental human rights of the individuals concerned. Secondly, the compulsory retirement age of 60 and the mandatory 35 years of service, as stipulated in the public service rules, is contributing to the exodus of experienced professionals.
“While we cannot control the former, the latter can be addressed through the upward review of the retirement age which this Bill will achieve.
“We have precedence for such measures, as the federal government has previously reviewed upward, the retirement age for certain categories of public servants, including judges, lecturers, and teachers.”
Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) participated in the discussion by urging fellow members to provide the bill with a clear direction. He noted that several states within the federation have already raised the retirement age for health workers.
He pointed out that during the recruitment process in hospitals, specific qualifications are typically outlined, and there is a persistent shortage of consultants and other health professionals due to a lack of experience.
Jaha emphasized that health professionals over the age of 50 who are willing to remain in the workforce and contribute to the healthcare delivery system should be permitted to continue their service rather than being retired solely based on age or years of service.
Bello Ambarura also contributed to the discourse, highlighting that numerous consultant positions in various Federal Medical Centres remain unfilled while retiring professionals are being recruited by foreign agencies due to their expertise.
He contended that raising the retirement age for health workers would significantly benefit the healthcare sector in the country.
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