The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on the Federal Government to urgently raise the retirement age of clinical health workers to 65 years, stressing that the measure is vital to retain experienced professionals amid Nigeria’s worsening shortage of skilled healthcare personnel.
NMA President, Dr Afekhide Omoti, made the appeal in Abuja during a press briefing after the association’s National Executive Council meeting, which ran from August 24 to 28, 2026.
Omoti warned that the continued delay in implementing the policy was troubling, especially as Nigeria faces a wave of migration among doctors and other health professionals.
“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,” he said.
The association linked the retirement-age demand to the broader challenge of brain drain, noting that poor working conditions, insecurity, inadequate remuneration, and limited career opportunities were driving medical workers abroad.
Beyond retirement age, the NMA also pressed for:Improved welfare through the conclusion of collective bargaining agreements.
Enhanced security for medical personnel, citing the case of a Niger State doctor held in captivity for four months.Better infrastructure, including roads leading to hospitals, to ease emergency care and referrals.
Recognition of drug abuse among youths as a national public health priority, alongside expanded mental health services.Omoti emphasized that while government investments in healthcare infrastructure are welcome, they must be matched with stronger support for the workforce.
“Infrastructure alone cannot guarantee an effective health system without a motivated, adequately protected and properly remunerated health workforce,” he said.
The NMA argued that extending the retirement age would help preserve institutional knowledge and expertise while longer-term solutions to workforce shortages are pursued.
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