Health workers in federal healthcare institutions are now to retire at the age of 65 Instead of the previous 60, according to a circular from the Head of Civil Service of the federation.
The increase in the retirement age, the circular, number HCSF/3065/Vol.1/227 dated December 31 2025, said, is aimed at addressing the shortage of such staff in the federal hospitals.
The circular marks a strategic effort to retain experienced health workers in teaching hospitals, Federal Medical Centres, National Orthopaedic and Neuropsychiatric Hospitals, National Eye Centre, National Obstetrics Fistula Centres, National Ear Care Centre, and the National Hospital Abuja.
It however excludes skilled clinical staff working in Ministries and Extra-Ministerial Departments within the mainstream Civil Service from this policy extension.
The head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who signed the circular, emphasised that the review targets 26 specific cadres of skilled clinical health professionals, including Medical Officers, Nurses, Pharmacists, Radiographers, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and several others engaged in clinical services within federal health institutions.
According to the circular, eligible officers willing to continue service beyond the former retirement age are required to submit a formal application at least three months before reaching 60 years or completing 35 years of service.
The circular requires applications to be accompanied by a Medical Certificate of Fitness from a government-approved medical facility and a current practising licence from the relevant statutory regulatory body, and that those due to retire within three months of the policy’s effective date must comply within seven days.
The policy takes effect from January 1, 2026, with comprehensive guidelines attached to the circular to facilitate proper implementation across the affected federal health institutions.
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