Abuja: 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 News Agency of Nigeria, this will serve as a palliative measure for healthcare workforce shortages and migration.
The President of NMA, Prof. Afekhide-Ernest Omoti, made the demand at a news conference in Abuja, wrapping up the association’s 2026 National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting. Omoti emphasized the NEC’s concern over the delay in implementing the proposed retirement age, highlighting the current shortage of skilled healthcare professionals due to migration and other factors. Retaining experienced clinicians within the system is deemed essential.
Omoti further expressed concern over the poor state of road infrastructure across the country, which has serious implications for healthcare delivery. He noted that inadequate roads delay patients seeking emergency care, impede referrals, and affect the transportation of medicines and medical supplies, making it difficult for healthcare workers to reach underserved communities. The NMA calls on all levels of government to prioritize the rehabilitation, construction, and maintenance of roads leading to healthcare facilities.
The NMA President also addressed the increasing prevalence of drug and substance abuse among Nigerian youths, describing it as a growing public health emergency. He urged the Federal Government to declare it a national public health priority, strengthen prevention programs, improve public enlightenment, regulate access to harmful substances, and expand mental health and addiction treatment services.
Additionally, the NMA expressed concern over the failure to implement appropriate tax relief measures for essential workers, particularly healthcare professionals. Omoti called on the Federal Government to grant appropriate tax waivers or other relief measures to alleviate the financial burdens on medical practitioners.
Omoti also highlighted the prolonged delays in implementing the outstanding Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with health workers. He noted that these delays contribute to dissatisfaction within the workforce and encourage the migration of medical professionals out of Nigeria.
Addressing the issue of insecurity, the NMA President expressed concern over the escalating cases of killings, kidnapping, and other forms of insecurity, which threaten the safety of health workers. He appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to end these threats and ensure the safe release of abducted medical practitioners and other citizens.
While acknowledging progress in healthcare infrastructure and service delivery, Omoti emphasized the need to match infrastructure development with investment in the healthcare workforce. He stressed that a hospital building without skilled professionals cannot provide the quality of care Nigerians deserve.