By Onilede Titi Faith
The Federal Government is considering raising the retirement age of medical and dental consultants in Nigeria from 60 to 70 years.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has submitted a memo to the Office of the Head of Service, seeking approval for the policy shift.
Earlier in February, President Bola Tinubu approved an increase in the retirement age of doctors and healthcare workers from 60 to 65.
However, the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), has continued to push for 70 years, citing massive brain drain and a shortage of trainers in medical schools.
Data from the association shows that about 1,594 consultants aged 55 and above are expected to retire by 2029, while 1,056 consultants left the country between 2019 and 2023 for better opportunities abroad.
Stakeholders say the extension would help mitigate the crisis in Nigeria’s health sector.
MDCAN President, Prof. Muhammad Muhammad, confirmed on Monday that the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, had already forwarded the memo, which is awaiting consideration by the National Council on Establishment.
“We are at the last bus stop of the negotiations. The memo has been submitted. We are waiting for the next council meeting in September to consider and hopefully approve it,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the move would be implemented soon, stressing that it would help retain experienced consultants and strengthen medical training at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
