The House of Representatives has passed a bill for second reading aimed at extending the retirement age for health workers in Nigeria from 60 to 65 years, and the years of service from 35 to 40. This legislation, sponsored by Dr. Wale Hammed (APC, Lagos), seeks to retain experienced healthcare professionals in the country amid the ongoing "Japa syndrome," which has seen a significant number of young health workers migrating abroad.
In his debate, Dr. Hammed emphasized the potential of the bill to reshape the healthcare sector, allowing seasoned professionals to continue contributing to patient care and training younger staff. He noted the difficulty in stopping migration, as individuals have the right to seek opportunities abroad, but argued that increasing the retirement age would retain a critical mass of expertise within Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s healthcare sector faces serious challenges, especially a shortage of skilled professionals. By adjusting retirement rules, we can help keep experienced hands within the system,” said Dr. Hammed. He also highlighted that similar adjustments have been made for judges, lecturers, and teachers, setting a precedent for the proposed change.
Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) supported the bill, urging members to provide direction on the issue. He highlighted that certain states have already extended retirement ages for health workers. Similarly, Bello Ambarura added that federal medical centers face shortages of experienced consultants due to mandatory retirements, with foreign agencies attracting retirees.
The bill's passage would mark a significant policy shift in Nigerian healthcare, aiming to strengthen the sector by retaining skilled professionals longer. The House will continue deliberations on the bill, with its impact on the healthcare workforce under close scrutiny.
