The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged the federal government to urgently implement the retirement age of 65 years for clinical health workers. According to the association, this will serve as palliative measures for healthcare workforce shortages and migration. NMA President, Afekhide-Ernest Omoti, made the demand at a news conference in Abuja on Friday, to wrap-up the association’s 2026 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.
Mr Omoti noted that NEC reiterated its concern over the delay in implementing the retirement age of 65 years for clinical health workers. He said that at a time when Nigeria was experiencing a significant shortage of skilled healthcare professionals due to migration and other factors, retaining experienced clinicians within the system was essential.
According to the president, implementing the retirement age of 65 years for clinical health workers will provide an important palliative measure, as Nigeria continues to address the broader challenge of healthcare workforce shortages and migration. Mr Omoti said that the NEC also expressed concern over the poor state of road infrastructure across the country, stressing that the bad roads had serious implications for healthcare delivery.
“They delay patients seeking emergency care, impede referrals, affect the transportation of medicines and medical supplies and make it difficult for healthcare workers to reach underserved communities,” he said.
“The NMA, therefore, calls on government at all levels to urgently prioritise the rehabilitation, construction and maintenance of roads leading to healthcare facilities, particularly in the rural and underserved communities.” He urged government to recognise road infrastructure as an essential component of healthcare delivery and a critical determinant of health outcomes.
The NMA President also spoke about the increasing prevalence of drug and substance abuse among Nigerian youths and its consequences for mental health, families, communities and the nation’s productive workforce.