FG Abolishes Mandatory Pre-Retirement Leave for Civil Servants

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a directive abolishing the mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave for civil servants. This clarification was communicated in a circular signed by Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of Service.

The directive states that the previous interpretation of a three-month notice period as automatic leave entitlement was incorrect. Instead, civil servants are required to provide three months' notice of retirement while continuing to perform their duties, except when attending approved retirement programs.

The circular emphasizes that civil servants must remain in service throughout the notice period and participate in pre-retirement workshops. This change is expected to affect thousands of federal civil servants approaching retirement and aims to enhance service delivery, preserve institutional knowledge, and prevent the loss of experienced personnel.

The latest directive seeks to eliminate ambiguities surrounding retirement procedures and establish a uniform interpretation of rules across the federal public service.