The House of Representatives has successfully passed a bill through its second reading that proposes to increase the retirement age for health workers in Nigeria from 60 to 65 years and extend the years of pensionable service from 35 to 40 years. The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Make Provisions for the Retirement Age for Health Workers in Nigeria and for Related Matters,” is sponsored by Adewale Hammed (APC, Lagos).
In leading the debate on the bill, Hammed highlighted its potential to transform the healthcare sector in Nigeria. He explained that the bill aims to establish a compulsory retirement age and service duration specifically for health workers. The key clauses of the bill include:
- Retirement Age: Health workers in Nigeria will be required to retire upon reaching 65 years of age or after 40 years of pensionable service, whichever comes first.
- Exemption from Existing Rules: The existing laws and Public Service Rules mandating retirement at 60 years of age or after 35 years of service will not apply to health workers.
Hammed emphasized the importance of retaining experienced healthcare professionals, particularly in light of the current challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system, including a significant shortage of skilled professionals. He noted two primary factors contributing to this depletion:
- Many health workers are leaving the country for better opportunities abroad, a trend that is difficult to reverse due to individuals’ fundamental rights.
- The existing retirement age of 60 and the mandatory 35 years of service exacerbate the exodus of experienced professionals from the sector.
By extending the retirement age, the bill aims to allow seasoned health workers to continue contributing their expertise, ultimately strengthening the healthcare system in Nigeria. The proposed changes reflect a growing recognition of the need to retain skilled professionals in the face of ongoing challenges in the sector.
