A bill aimed at increasing the retirement age and years of service for health workers in Nigeria has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
Sponsored by Wale Hammed (APC-Lagos), the legislation proposes to raise the retirement age from 60 to 65 years and extend the service years from 40 to 45.
During the debate, Hammed highlighted that the Harmonised Retirement Age for Health Workers in Nigeria Bill, 2024 was initially presented on October 10.
Advertorial
He emphasized that the bill could significantly transform the healthcare sector by establishing a new mandatory retirement age and service duration for health professionals.
Hammed argued that increasing the retirement age would help retain experienced healthcare workers, enabling them to continue contributing their valuable expertise amidst a growing shortage of skilled professionals in the field.
Advertorial
He noted that Nigeria’s healthcare system is grappling with a depletion of qualified personnel, primarily due to two factors: the migration of health workers seeking better opportunities abroad and the current mandatory retirement age of 60, which drives experienced professionals away.
“While we cannot control the migration of health workers, we can address the retirement age issue through this bill,” Hammed stated.
He also referenced precedents where the Federal Government had previously raised the retirement age for various public service categories, including judges and educators.
Advertorial
The bill’s provisions state that health workers in Nigeria would be required to retire upon reaching 65 years of age or completing 40 years of pensionable service, whichever comes first.
Additionally, any existing public service rules mandating a 60-year retirement age or 35 years of service would not apply to health workers.
Hammed urged his colleagues to support the bill, highlighting its potential to improve the lives of millions of Nigerians and bolster the country’s economic growth.
Advertorial
Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu referred the bill to the relevant committees for further consideration and legislative action.
