Federal Government don approve extension of retirement age for skilled clinical health workers working for federal health institutions, as part of effort to tackle shortage of experienced medical staff across di country.
Under di new policy, retirement age for eligible clinical health professionals don increase from 60 years to 65 years, or from 35 years of service to 40 years, whichever one reach first.
Dis directive come through official circular with reference number HCSF/3065/Vol.1/227 dated December 31, 2025, wey Office of di Head of di Civil Service of di Federation issue.
Di policy aim to retain skilled and experienced health workers for federal tertiary hospitals and centres, including teaching hospitals, Federal Medical Centres, National Orthopaedic and Neuropsychiatric Hospitals, National Eye Centre, National Obstetrics Fistula Centres, National Ear Care Centre and di National Hospital, Abuja.
Head of di Civil Service of di Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, wey sign di circular, explain say di review apply to 26 specific cadres of skilled clinical health professionals. Dem include Medical Officers, Nurses, Pharmacists, Radiographers, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and other professionals wey dey directly involved in clinical services for federal health institutions.
However, di circular make am clear say di policy no cover skilled clinical staff wey dey work for Ministries and Extra-Ministerial Departments under di mainstream Civil Service.
According to di circular, any eligible officer wey want continue service beyond di former retirement age must submit formal application at least three months before reaching 60 years of age or completing 35 years of service.
Di application must come with Medical Certificate of Fitness from government-approved hospital and current practising licence from di relevant regulatory body. For officers wey suppose retire within three months of di policy start date, dem must comply within seven days.
Di policy take effect from January 1, 2026, with detailed guidelines attached to di circular to ensure smooth and proper implementation across all affected federal health institutions.
