NMA pushes for urgent review of doctors’ pay, retirement age

The National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof Bala Audu, has renewed calls for the swift adoption of the proposed amendments to doctors’ remuneration and retirement age, warning that the country risks further depletion of its medical workforce if urgent action is not taken.

Prof Audu, who led members of the Association’s National Executive Council (NEC) to Ogun State for their meeting in Abeokuta, said the reforms being considered by the National Council on Health were critical to reversing the ongoing exodus of medical professionals. According to him, many states have been unable to fill advertised vacancies because doctors and other clinical workers are leaving the country in large numbers in search of better conditions abroad.

He emphasised that revising the salary structure and extending the retirement age for doctors, especially those offering clinical services, would help stabilise the health system and retain experienced personnel. “The migration of medical workers continues at an alarming rate, and if nothing is done, the situation will become even more worrying,” he said.

While commending Ogun State for prioritising the welfare of health workers, Prof Audu cited the state’s responsiveness as an example of what is needed nationwide to address the manpower crisis. He noted the encouraging turnout during a recent medical outreach in Ala-Idowa, Ijebu, and praised the standard of the primary healthcare centre in the community.

The NMA President also applauded the state government for equipping the 250-bed hospital, describing it as a major contribution to improving healthcare delivery for residents and Nigerians at large. He thanked the Local Organising Committee and the people of Ogun State for their support towards hosting a successful NEC meeting.

Responding, the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, welcomed the delegation and reiterated the state government’s full support for reforms aimed at improving doctors’ welfare. She noted that the Dapo Abiodun administration had consistently prioritised health personnel incentives and workplace conditions.

The Deputy Governor disclosed that ₦210 billion had been allocated to the health sector in the proposed 2026 budget to enhance facilities, strengthen personnel welfare, and attract more health workers. She added that 142 primary healthcare centres had been upgraded and equipped under the present administration.

Salako-Oyedele expressed the state’s readiness to continue collaborating with the NMA, particularly in restoring public confidence in the state’s health insurance scheme and addressing sector-wide challenges. She also highlighted the transformation of the 250-bed hospital, noting that its upgraded facilities would help discourage medical tourism and position Ogun as a centre of medical excellence.