By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has approved the extension of the retirement age for health workers in its employment from 60 to 65 years, or 40 years of pensionable service, in a landmark policy aimed at retaining experienced professionals and strengthening healthcare delivery across the state.
The approval, granted by Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, was conveyed in Head of Service Circular No. 11/2026, dated July 27, 2026, and signed by the Head of Service, Mr. Orok Bassey Okon.
The directive is intended to address the shortage of experienced health personnel and sustain quality healthcare services across the state.
According to the circular, the policy applies strictly to health workers serving in frontline health facilities, including hospitals, clinics and other healthcare institutions across Cross River State.
It does not apply to health personnel occupying administrative positions.
The circular further states that eligible officers in the state service will be recommended to the Head of Service by the Commissioner for Health after verification of their eligibility and fitness for continued service.
Eligible local government health workers will be recommended by the Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency for onward transmission to the Office of the Head of Service.
It also directed the Accountant-General to ensure that only officers duly approved under the new arrangement remain on the government payroll.
The circular clarified that the retirement age for all other public servants remains 60 years of age or 35 years of pensionable service, whichever comes first, in line with the existing Public Service Rules.
The new policy takes effect from August 1, 2026, and is expected to strengthen the state’s health workforce by retaining highly experienced professionals whose expertise is critical to improving healthcare outcomes.
Reacting to the approval, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, described the Governor’s decision as a landmark achievement for the health sector, saying it reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of health workers and the continued transformation of healthcare delivery in the state.
He praised the Governor Otu-led administration for its achievements in the health sector and, on behalf of health workers across Cross River State, expressed profound appreciation for what he described as an outstanding demonstration of responsive and people-centred leadership.
“This approval is a clear testament to His Excellency’s commitment to the welfare of health workers and his determination to build a resilient and efficient healthcare system.
“We are deeply grateful for this thoughtful intervention, which will preserve valuable experience within our health facilities and further improve the quality of care available to our people,” Dr. Ayuk said.
The commissioner also commended the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), development and implementing partners, professional associations, and civil society organisations for their sustained collaboration with the state government in strengthening the health workforce.
According to him, the progress being recorded in the state’s health sector is the result of visionary leadership, strategic partnerships and the dedication of healthcare professionals.
He expressed confidence that the new retirement policy would further consolidate the gains already achieved under the Governor Otu-led administration.