The Cross River State Government has approved an extension of the retirement age for frontline health workers from 60 to 65 years, or upon completing 40 years of pensionable service, whichever comes first. The policy, effective August 1, is designed to address critical shortages of skilled personnel and bolster the state's healthcare system.
Approval and Implementation Details
The approval was granted by Governor Bassey Otu and communicated through Head of Service Circular No. 11/2026, signed by the Head of Service, Orok Okon. The circular was made available to journalists in Calabar on Tuesday. Mr. Okon explained that the decision aims to retain experienced professionals and strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
Scope of the Policy
The policy applies exclusively to frontline health workers serving in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. It explicitly excludes health workers occupying administrative positions. Other categories of public servants will continue to retire at 60 years or after 35 years of pensionable service, whichever occurs first.
Verification and Payroll Management
According to the circular, the Commissioner for Health will recommend eligible state health workers after verifying their eligibility and continued fitness for service. Similarly, the Director-General of the Cross River Primary Health Care Development Agency will recommend eligible local government health workers. The Accountant-General has been directed to ensure that only duly approved officers remain on the government payroll under the new retirement arrangement.
Government and Health Officials React
Mr. Okon reaffirmed that the policy is part of broader efforts to strengthen the health workforce by retaining seasoned professionals. Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, described the approval as a “historic milestone” for the state’s health sector. He thanked the governor for his commitment to workers’ welfare and healthcare reforms, expressing confidence that the policy would improve service delivery and consolidate ongoing achievements in the health sector.
Background and Context
The decision comes amid concerns over brain drain and staff shortages in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. By extending the retirement age, Cross River State aims to mitigate the loss of experienced health workers and ensure continuity in patient care. The policy aligns with similar interventions in other states and reflects a growing recognition of the need to retain skilled medical professionals.
