Cross River State Government has approved an increase in the retirement age for health workers from 60 to 65 years, or 40 years of pensionable service, to retain experienced professionals and strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
The approval, granted by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, was announced in Head of Service Circular No. 11/2026, dated 27 July 2026, and signed by the Head of Service, Mr. Orok Bassey Okon.
The policy is designed to address the shortage of skilled health personnel and ensure the continued delivery of quality healthcare services.
It applies only to frontline health workers serving in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities across the state, excluding those in administrative roles.
Under the directive, eligible state health workers will be recommended to the Head of Service by the Commissioner for Health after verification of their eligibility and fitness for continued service.
For local government health workers, recommendations will come through the Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency.
The circular also directed the Accountant-General to ensure that only officers approved under the new policy remain on the government payroll.
It clarified that the retirement age for all other public servants remains 60 years or 35 years of pensionable service, whichever comes first, in line with existing Public Service Rules.
The new retirement policy takes effect on 1 August 2026, and is expected to strengthen the state’s health workforce by retaining experienced professionals whose expertise is vital to improving healthcare outcomes.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, described the approval as a landmark achievement for the health sector, saying it reflects Governor Otu’s commitment to the welfare of health workers and the transformation of healthcare delivery in Cross River State.
He said the extension would preserve valuable expertise within the state’s health facilities, improve the quality of care and reinforce efforts to build a resilient and efficient healthcare system.
Dr. Ayuk also commended the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), development partners, professional associations and civil society organisations for their continued collaboration with the state government in strengthening the health sector.
According to him, the progress recorded in Cross River’s healthcare system is driven by visionary leadership, strategic partnerships and the dedication of health professionals, expressing confidence that the new retirement policy would further consolidate the gains of the Otu administration.
