In a strategic move to address the shortage of skilled clinical health workers, the federal government has increased the retirement age for professionals in Federal Tertiary Hospitals and Centres from 60 to 65 years or from 35 to 40 years of service, whichever comes first.
The directive, outlined in Circular Ref. No. HCSF/3065/Vol.1/227 dated December 31, 2025, was issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF). It aims 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.
Head of the Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who signed the circular, stated that the review targets 26 specific cadres of skilled clinical health professionals, including Medical Officers, Nurses, Pharmacists, Radiographers, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, and others engaged in clinical services within federal health institutions.
The policy excludes skilled clinical staff working in Ministries and Extra-Ministerial Departments within the mainstream Civil Service.
Eligible officers wishing 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. Applications must include a Medical Certificate of Fitness from a government-approved medical facility and a current practising licence from the relevant statutory regulatory body. Those due to retire within three months of the policy’s effective date are expected to comply within seven days.
The policy takes effect from January 1, 2026, with detailed guidelines attached to the circular to ensure smooth implementation across all affected federal health institutions.
