The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has strongly criticized a recent Federal Government circular that reviews the retirement age for health workers in Nigeria. The union, in a statement issued on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, labeled the policy as selectively favoring one professional group, thereby threatening fairness, teamwork, and overall efficiency in the nation's healthcare system.
A Policy Accused of Undermining Teamwork
In an open letter addressed to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), JOHESU expressed its deep concern over what it termed a discriminatory implementation of a policy originally meant to benefit all health professionals. The union emphasized that healthcare delivery is inherently multidisciplinary, and any regulation that elevates one cadre above others directly sabotages equity and system effectiveness.
JOHESU reminded the government that it has been leading the push for an increased retirement age for health workers for more than 15 years. This demand, according to the union, was a central component of all eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Federal Government in the decade spanning 2014 to 2024.
A Long-Standing Demand Hijacked?
The union revealed that this policy push was initially resisted by the Federal Ministry of Health and other professional bodies, which JOHESU now accuses of being the primary beneficiaries of the approved review. The issue was a major point of discussion during negotiations that followed the June 2023 strike by the union.
During those talks, JOHESU highlighted the existing provisions in universities where staff retire at 65 years and professors at 70. "On that basis, JOHESU demanded an increase in the retirement age of all health workers from 60 to 65 years, with health consultants retiring at 70 years, similar to professors," the union stated.
Despite this proposal being rejected multiple times, including as recently as December 2025, JOHESU maintains that its persistent advocacy was what eventually led to presidential approval of the policy.
Allegations of Process Manipulation
However, JOHESU has levied serious accusations against the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The union claims that after the presidential approval, the ministry hijacked the process. It alleges that a manipulative committee was formed to advance a selective extension of the retirement age that disproportionately benefits physicians, contrary to the inclusive spirit of the original agreement.
The union's stance underscores a significant rift in the health sector, warning that such perceived inequity could further erode morale and collaboration among the various professionals essential for a robust healthcare system in Nigeria.
