President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved raising the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65. The decision, announced on Wednesday in Lagos, is aimed at curbing brain drain and enhancing knowledge transfer within Nigeria’s health sector.

Dr. Mannir Bature, National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association, said the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, will formally present the proposal to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for final approval.

During a high-level meeting with leaders from the Nigerian Medical Association, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and other key health unions, Pate confirmed that arrears from adjustments to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure are ready for disbursement.

The move comes amid nationwide protests over delayed payments and inadequate working conditions in the health sector, and it is expected to boost morale while strengthening service delivery.