By Oghenefejiro Emado
27, October 2026
ASABA — Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the extension of retirement age for clinical health workers in the state from 60 to 65 years.
The Governor also approved the extension of years of service from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first, for skilled health professionals in government-owned hospitals across the state.
The approval, which takes immediate effect, is aimed at addressing manpower shortages, retaining experienced medical personnel, and strengthening healthcare delivery in Delta State.
The policy covers 26 categories of clinical professionals actively engaged in hospital services. They include Medical Officers, Nursing Officers, Pharmacists, Medical Laboratory Scientists, Physiotherapists, Radiographers, Optometrists, Psychologists, Dental Officers, Community Health Officers and Audiologists.
Others are Dieticians, Medical Laboratory Technicians, Pharmacy Technicians, X-Ray Technicians, Dental Technologists, Dental Therapists, Prosthetic Technologists, Orthoptists and other related clinical cadres.
The decision follows persistent appeals by the Delta State Council of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and the Delta State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which had urged the state government to adopt the policy after its approval by the Federal Government.
According to the implementation guidelines, eligible officers who wish to benefit from the new policy must apply through their Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) six months before attaining the age of 60 years or completing 35 years in service.
Such applicants are also required to present a medical certificate of fitness to prove their physical capacity to continue in service.
The CMDs are thereafter expected to forward all applications to the Ministry of Health for screening and final approval by the Commissioner for Health.
The state government clarified that the extension is strictly for health professionals directly involved in clinical practice in government hospitals. It does not cover those serving in ministries and other extra-ministerial departments.
The government expressed optimism that the policy will help preserve professional expertise and institutional memory, which are critical to the effective operation of public health facilities, by allowing fit and experienced clinical personnel to remain in service for an additional five years.
