Kebbi State raises retirement age for doctors

The Kebbi State Government has raised the retirement age for its medical and veterinary doctors. This new decision was made on Monday.

Now, these professionals can work until they are 65 years old. The length of service has also increased from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first.

Before this change, doctors in Nigeria had a retirement age of 60 years and a service length of 35 years.

Auwal Dogondaji, the Kebbi Commissioner for Establishment, Pension, and Training, shared this news with reporters. He spoke after the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.

Mr Dogondaji explained that the council realized the old retirement policy was causing the loss of experienced doctors. Many of these specialists were at their best between the ages of 55 and 65.

He said, "By extending their years of service, Kebbi aims to retain these fit and active professionals so they can continue to contribute significantly to healthcare delivery, training, and mentorship."

This change is part of the state government's plan to tackle ongoing issues in the health sector. These include a shortage of doctors, the ongoing brain drain of medical staff, and the gaps caused by retirements.

The commissioner also mentioned that veterinary doctors will benefit from the new policy.

But there are conditions. The council said that anyone working beyond the age of 60 or 35 years of service must pass an annual medical fitness test and have good performance reviews.

Mr Dogondaji confirmed that the new retirement policy will start from January 1, 2026.