…FG Assures Payment of Outstanding CONMESS & CONHESS Arrears
In a major policy shift aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery and retaining skilled medical professionals, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the extension of the retirement age for clinically skilled health workers from 60 to 65 years.
The approval was announced by the Coordinating Minister for Health & Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, during a stakeholders’ meeting with leaders of key medical and allied health associations, including:
Prof. Bala Audu, President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA)
Prof. Muhammad Muhammad, President, Medical & Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN)
Comrade Martin Egbanubi, National Secretary, Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU)
Comrade Haruna Mamman, President, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM)
Retirement Age Extension to Address Workforce Gaps
Prof. Pate emphasized that the decision aligns with the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services, ensuring that experienced professionals remain in service to train younger practitioners and bridge workforce shortages.
“His Excellency, President Tinubu, has given consent for this extension, with an explicit directive that all necessary administrative procedures be followed,” Pate stated.
To implement the policy, the Minister said the **Ministry will collaborate with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the National Council on Establishment, and other relevant stakeholders.
FG Working on Payment of Outstanding CONMESS & CONHESS Arrears
Addressing concerns over unpaid allowances, Prof. Pate assured health workers that the government is working towards resolving the payment of seven months’ arrears for the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
“The arrears will be sourced and released. We are on track for a resolution,” he added.
Medical Unions Commend FG’s Decision
In response, NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, commended President Tinubu for demonstrating leadership in the health sector. He also praised the Coordinating Minister for fostering openness and dialogue with unions, creating an enabling environment for policy implementation.
“We appreciate the Minister’s engagement with stakeholders and will continue to cooperate with the Ministry to ensure a smooth implementation of the retirement age extension and payment of outstanding arrears,” Prof. Audu stated.
This decision marks a significant step in addressing Nigeria’s healthcare workforce challenges, particularly at a time when the country faces brain drain and rising deman
d for skilled medical professionals.
