The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what it described as a discriminatory review of the retirement age in Nigeria’s health sector. The union warned that the policy threatens fairness, staff morale, and effective healthcare delivery.

In a letter signed by JOHESU Chairman Kabiru Minjibir and Secretary Martin Egbanubi, the union criticized the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF) for issuing a circular that, according to them, favors consultant physicians while excluding other health workers.

“Healthcare delivery in Nigeria depends on teamwork across all cadres. Any policy that elevates one group above others undermines equity, efficiency, and service delivery,” the union stated.

JOHESU noted that it has advocated for an increase in retirement age for health workers for over 15 years, a demand included in all eight memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed with the Federal Government between 2014 and 2024. The union said the Ministry of Health and other professional bodies initially resisted the proposal but now appear to benefit from the policy.

The union further accused the Ministry of Health of manipulating the process after the Federal Executive Council approved the retirement age review, introducing what JOHESU called a “clinically skilled health worker” category with a retirement age of 70, exclusive to consultant physicians. JOHESU said this violates the June 4, 2023, MoU, which provided for a uniform retirement age of 65 for all health workers and 70 for consultants.

JOHESU’s letter warned that selective implementation of the retirement age could lead to early retirements, reduce workforce morale, and erode institutional memory, ultimately affecting healthcare delivery nationwide.

The union urged President Tinubu to direct the issuance of an all-inclusive circular covering all health workers, including non-hospital-based staff, to ensure fairness and uphold the principles of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“We respectfully call on Your Excellency to intervene and ensure a retirement age policy that promotes unity, sustainability, and a people-oriented health system,” JOHESU stated.