The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on the House of Representatives to fast-track the approval of a bill aimed at increasing the retirement age for health workers from 60 to 65 years and extending their length of service from 35 to 40 years.
Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, the NMA’s First Vice President, made this appeal during a courtesy visit to Dr. Wale Ahmed, the lawmaker representing Agege Federal Constituency of Lagos State, who sponsored the bill. Olowojebutu emphasized that the legislation, if enacted, would help mitigate the ongoing brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector.
The bill, which recently passed its second reading in the House, proposes that health workers retire either at 65 years of age or after 40 years of service, whichever comes first.
During the visit, Olowojebutu thanked Ahmed for championing the initiative, noting the importance of retaining experienced medical professionals to mentor younger colleagues and strengthen healthcare delivery.
“We are here to express our gratitude to Honourable Dr. Wale Ahmed for sponsoring this crucial bill, which is a step towards reversing the trend of medical brain drain and early retirement,” Olowojebutu said.
He further explained, “Experienced health workers play a vital role in mentoring younger colleagues. When they retire too early, the replacements are often younger professionals who still need time to gain sufficient experience. Extending the retirement age will allow for better mentorship and capacity building.”
Olowojebutu also highlighted the broader benefits of the bill, stating, “It will enhance training capacity and improve the expertise of younger health workers. We urge the House leadership to prioritize this bill as a comprehensive measure to boost healthcare delivery, support long-serving medical professionals, and reflect the passion they have invested in this nation.”
