NMA demands 65-year retirement age for clinical health workers
August 28, 2026 1:48 pm
Nigeria Medical Association. Photo: NMA
The Nigerian Medical Association has called on the Federal Government to urgently implement the 65-year retirement age for clinical health workers, saying the measure is necessary to retain experienced professionals amid the country’s shortage of skilled healthcare personnel.
The NMA President, Dr Afekhide Omoti, made the call on Friday in Abuja at a press briefing held after the association’s National Executive Council meeting.
The NEC meeting, which brought together representatives of medical doctors from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, was held from August 24 to 28, 2026.
Omoti said the continued delay in implementing the retirement age was particularly concerning at a time when Nigeria was losing experienced doctors and other health professionals to migration.
He said, “At a time when Nigeria is experiencing a significant shortage of skilled healthcare professionals due to migration and other factors, retaining experienced clinicians within the system is essential.”
The NMA president urged the Federal Government to “urgently implement the retirement age of 65 years for clinical health workers without undue and unnecessary limitations.”
According to him, extending the retirement age would provide an important palliative measure while the country addresses the broader challenges of healthcare workforce shortages and migration.
The association said the retirement age issue formed part of a wider review of challenges affecting Nigeria’s health sector, including healthcare infrastructure, welfare of health workers, insecurity, migration, drug and substance abuse and poor road infrastructure.
Omoti noted that while the NMA appreciated government investments in healthcare infrastructure, such investments would not be sufficient without corresponding attention to the healthcare workforce.
He said, “Infrastructure alone cannot guarantee an effective health system without a motivated, adequately protected and properly remunerated health workforce.”
The association therefore urged the government to match infrastructure development with investments in healthcare professionals, warning that hospitals and other facilities could not deliver quality services without adequate numbers of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and other skilled personnel.
The NMA also linked the retirement-age demand to the wider challenge of brain drain, noting that difficult working conditions, insecurity, inadequate remuneration, limited career opportunities and other systemic challenges were encouraging health professionals to leave the country.
“ This trend must be urgently reversed,” Omoti said.
The association also called for the conclusion and implementation of the outstanding collective bargaining agreement between the Federal Government and health workers, urging that the agreement be concluded early enough for its financial implications to be captured in the 2027 budget.
The NMA said prolonged delays in addressing the demands of health workers had contributed to dissatisfaction within the workforce and further encouraged the migration of medical doctors and other health professionals.
Beyond welfare issues, the association raised concerns about insecurity affecting healthcare workers. It called for stronger protection of medical personnel and healthcare facilities, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Omoti disclosed that a medical practitioner from Niger State had reportedly remained in captivity for approximately four months, describing the situation as unacceptable.
“Healthcare workers are essential to the survival and well-being of our communities. They should not have to choose between saving their patients and protecting their own lives,” he said.
The NMA also urged governments at all levels to improve roads leading to healthcare facilities, particularly in rural and underserved communities, arguing that poor roads delay emergency care, impede referrals and make it difficult for healthcare workers to reach patients.
The association further called for drug and substance abuse among Nigerian youths to be declared a national public health priority, alongside an expansion of mental health and addiction treatment services nationwide.
On its broader demands, the NMA called for measures to retain and motivate healthcare professionals in Nigeria, appropriate tax relief for healthcare workers, improved security, implementation of the 65-year retirement age and stronger investment in the health workforce.
Omoti said the NMA remained committed to constructive engagement with governments and other stakeholders in finding sustainable solutions to the challenges confronting Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He said, “We cannot retain healthcare professionals in an environment where their lives are threatened. We cannot effectively address brain drain without improving the welfare and working conditions of healthcare workers.”
The demand comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s continuing struggle with health workforce shortages and the migration of doctors and other health professionals seeking better working conditions and career opportunities abroad. The Federal Government has in recent years introduced measures aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure and retaining health workers, but professional groups have continued to push for better remuneration, working conditions, career progression and improved security.
The NMA said retaining experienced clinicians through a 65-year retirement age would help preserve institutional knowledge and expertise within the health system while longer-term measures to address workforce shortages and migration are pursued.
Deborah Tolu-Kolawole is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with four years of experience covering Nigeria’s vast education sector as well as related areas such as politics, health, security, and labour. She blends rigorous reporting with digital storytelling to bring clarity and insight to complex issues affecting learners, educators, and policymakers. Deborah was a nominee for The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize in Journalism, recognising her impactful reporting and contributions to Nigerian media. Her work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism. In addition to her reporting, she is fluent in multiple languages and serves as a contributing member of The Punch editorial board.
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