The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has submitted a memo seeking to extend the retirement age of medical and dental consultants in Nigeria from 60 to 70 years. The proposal is now before the Office of the Head of Service for consideration.
In February, President Bola Tinubu approved a retirement age review for doctors and healthcare workers, moving it from 60 to 65 years. However, the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) continues to demand 70 years for consultants.
Why 70 Years?
MDCAN argues that extending the retirement age will help curb the emigration of skilled doctors and address the shortage of trainers at both undergraduate and postgraduate medical levels.
- About 1,594 consultants aged 55 and above are projected to retire by 2029.
- Between 2019 and 2023, 1,056 consultants left Nigeria for better opportunities abroad.
MDCAN’s Position
MDCAN President, Prof. Muhammad Muhammad, said the union is optimistic that the extension will be approved soon.
“The memo has been submitted by the Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate, and we are waiting for the next National Council on Establishment to consider and possibly approve it,” he stated.
The proposal is expected to be reviewed in September, with stakeholders hopeful that the policy will be implemented to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare workforce.
