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The House of Representatives on Thursday passed, for second reading, a bill seeking to increase the retirement age of health workers in the country from 60 to 65 years and length of service from 35 to 40 years.
In his lead debate, the bill’s sponsor, Hon. Wale Hammed (APC-Lagos), explained that the law would encourage experienced medical professionals to contribute to the development of the health sector while training younger practitioners.
He argued that the bill has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare sector, adding that the “Japa” syndrome is adversely affecting the sector, as most individuals leaving the country are younger professionals.
He pointed out that while the country may not be able to prevent migration, given individuals’ rights, the retirement age could still be adjusted to allow those willing to work locally to stay in service longer.
According to him, “Increasing the retirement age will retain experienced healthcare workers, allowing them to continue contributing their expertise to the sector. This is particularly important at a time when the healthcare delivery system faces significant challenges, especially a shortage of skilled professionals.
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“Nigeria’s healthcare sector is currently experiencing a significant depletion in both the number and quality of professionals due to two main factors.
“Firstly, a substantial number of health workers are migrating abroad in search of the proverbial golden fleece—a trend difficult to stop given the fundamental human rights of the individuals concerned. Secondly, the compulsory retirement age of 60 and the mandatory 35 years of service, as stipulated in public service rules, contributes to the exodus of experienced professionals.
“While we cannot control the former, the latter can be addressed through an upward review of the retirement age, which this bill seeks to achieve.
“We have precedents for such measures, as the federal government has previously reviewed and increased the retirement age for certain categories of public servants, including judges, lecturers, and teachers.”
While contributing to the debate, Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) urged members to support the bill, noting that some states in the federation have already increased the retirement age of health workers.
He disclosed that hospitals often specify requirements during recruitment, adding that consultants and other health professionals are in short supply due to a lack of experience.
He suggested that health professionals above 50 who are willing to stay and contribute to the healthcare system should be allowed to do so, rather than being retired due to age or length of service.
In his contribution, Hon. Bello Ambarura stated that many consultant positions in various Federal Medical Centres “remain unfilled,” with those retiring often being recruited by foreign agencies due to their experience.
He insisted that increasing the retirement age for health workers would greatly benefit the health sector in the country.
The bill was referred to the relevant House Committees for further legislative action.
