Delta State implements healthcare retirement extension and new labor laws

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved an extension of the retirement age for skilled clinical health professionals in government hospitals from 60 to 65 years. The policy also extends the maximum length of service from 35 to 40 years. This measure covers 26 categories of clinical staff, including medical officers, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists, to address manpower shortages and retain experienced personnel amid rising migration of skilled workers.

To qualify, eligible officers must apply through their chief medical directors six months before reaching the statutory retirement age and must provide medical certificates of fitness. The extension specifically applies to clinical staff in government hospitals and does not cover professionals serving in ministries or extra-ministerial departments.

In a separate legislative move, Governor Oborevwori signed five new bills into law as part of the administration’s MORE Agenda. These include the 13th Month Salary Law, 2026, designed to boost worker morale and productivity, and the Delta State Revenue Service (Consolidated) Law, 2026, aimed at streamlining tax administration. Other signed legislation includes amendments to increase the number of High Court and Customary Court of Appeal judges, and the Public and Private Properties Protection Amendment Law.