Tag: Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years.

Dr Mannir Bature, National Publicity Secretary, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

Bature said the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has been directed to formally present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalisation.

He said the policy shift was conveyed by Pate during a high-level meeting with the NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and key stakeholders in the health sector.

Bature said the meeting also had in attendance the leadership of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

He said discussions centred on progress made regarding the welfare of doctors and other healthcare professionals in Nigeria.

According to him, the coordinating minister confirmed that the arrears resulting from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) are set for payment.

“The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon,” he said.

Bature quoted the minister as saying that President Tinubu has approved the correction of consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), arising from the implementation of the new minimum wage.

“The process to effect this correction is at an advanced stage, providing much-needed relief to doctors and other healthcare workers,” he said.

He said following an extensive review initiated by the NMA, approval has been granted for the implementation of new tariffs for healthcare service providers.

“This will particularly benefit members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN), ensuring better financial remuneration and sustainability for healthcare services nationwide,” he said.

Bature said the Coordinating Minister expressed appreciation for the patience and collaboration of all stakeholders, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of all healthcare workers.

Bature said Pate emphasised that collaboration was crucial to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.

He said attendees at the meeting renewed their commitment to work together in advocating for the welfare of healthcare workers and ensuring the full implementation of key reforms.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NMA has championed increasing the retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years to address brain drain, improve knowledge transfer and for quality healthcare delivery.

NAN reports that nationwide strikes had been declared by various health associations or unions over the non-implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS for doctors and healthcare workers.

Comrade Salahudeen A. Lukman, a peace advocate, has publicly apologized to Col. Nurudeen Yusuf, Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over a previous letter that was misinterpreted.

Lukman explained that his message was not intended to cause any controversy or disrespect. He clarified that concerns raised in his letter were about the alleged misuse of the ADC’s name by certain individuals, not a criticism of Col. Yusuf himself.

After feedback from elders, traditional leaders, and activists, Lukman said he felt compelled to set the record straight and take responsibility for any misunderstandings.

He commended Col. Yusuf for his positive contributions to Ibolo land and pledged continued support for peace and development in the region.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, declined to sign the Federal University of Education Numan, Adamawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2024.

The President’s decision to reject the bill was communicated in a letter to the House of Representatives, which was read out by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu during a session in the Green Chamber.

The bill, which was sponsored by Binos Yaroe, the lawmaker for Adamawa South Senatorial District, was passed by the National Assembly in 2024 and forwarded to the President for approval.

In his letter, President Tinubu expressed concerns over Section 22 of the bill, which gives the Adamawa State Governor authority over the disposal of land belonging to the federal university.

The President emphasized that matters related to federal government-owned property, particularly universities, fall under the President’s jurisdiction.

“Under section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, I hereby inform the House of Representatives of my decision, made on December 23, 2024, to withhold assent to the Federal University of Education, Numan Establishment Bill 2024, passed by the National Assembly,” the letter stated.

The President further clarified that he was rejecting the bill due to Section 22, which wrongly vested the authority to dispose of university land in the governor instead of the President, who has control over federal properties.

“I am declining assent to the bill as Section 22 of the bill confers the authority to the disposal of the land of the university on the governor and not the President as it ought to be in the case of land belonging to the federal government,” the letter read in part.

Recall that at a forum in Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area of Adamawa State last week, Senator Yaroe explained that the President’s action wasn’t a full rejection but a correction of clerical errors in the bill.

He said “The President identified certain mistakes in the bill that needed to align with the constitution. For example, we mistakenly gave land authority to the governor instead of the President, who is the correct authority for the institution. We will amend the bill by replacing the governor with

The House however, adjourned its session to Wednesday, February 5, 2025, in tribute to the late Deputy Whip, Adewunmi Onanuga.

Onanuga, who passed away on January 15 at age 59, represented Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, Ogun State, and chaired the House Committee on Women Affairs in the 9th Assembly.