In a significant policy shift aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system, President Bola Tinubu has approved an extension of the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare professionals from 60 to 65 years.
The announcement was made via the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of Nigerian Stories, signaling the administration’s commitment to addressing the nation’s healthcare challenges by retaining experienced medical personnel for longer.
This move comes amid growing concerns over brain drain in the health sector, as thousands of Nigerian doctors seek better opportunities abroad. By extending the service years of healthcare workers, the government aims to curb workforce shortages, ensure continuity in medical expertise, and enhance service delivery across hospitals and health institutions nationwide.
President Tinubu’s decision aligns with calls from stakeholders advocating for improved working conditions, better remuneration, and policy reforms to stabilize the healthcare sector. While this extension provides relief, analysts suggest that more comprehensive measures—including enhanced infrastructure, increased funding, and incentives for medical professionals—are needed to revamp Nigeria’s struggling health system.
The development is expected to spark reactions from medical unions, policymakers, and the general public as debates on its long-term impact unfold.
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