Nurses Applaud Abia Government’s Plan to Raise Retirement Age

Nurses working in Abia State government-owned hospitals and health agencies have expressed their satisfaction with the recent announcement of an increase in their retirement age to 65 years.

Governor Alex Otti, during his monthly media chat on Friday at the Government House in Umuahia, revealed that the state government would soon raise the retirement age for nurses from 60 to 65 years. He stated that this decision is part of his administration’s efforts to revamp the health sector, which is one of its key priorities.

In response, several nurses who spoke to NIGERIA NEWS 247 over the weekend welcomed the move, noting that it would help retain experienced nurses within the Abia health system.

Nkechi Uwaoma commented that the extended retirement age would ensure that patients receive better medical care from experienced professionals, leading to more lives being saved.

Another nurse, Scholastica Amaechi, praised the decision but also urged the state government to increase the salaries and allowances of nurses in line with the new policy.

A nurse from one of the government hospitals, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that the new retirement age policy could help reduce the number of nurses leaving the state for better opportunities abroad.

“Three of my colleagues have already left for America or Europe for better pay. I believe that increasing the retirement age, along with offering attractive salaries and a good working environment, could slow down the ‘JAPA train’ and discourage more of us from leaving,” the nurse said.