FG Abolishes Pre-Retirement Leave for Civil Servants

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service, has abolished the three-month pre-retirement leave for civil servants. This decision was communicated in a circular addressing ministers, permanent secretaries, service chiefs, and senior government officials.

The circular clarified that the requirement for a three-month notice before retirement is not equivalent to a mandatory leave period. Civil servants are expected to remain active in service throughout the notice period and continue performing their official duties, except when attending an approved pre-retirement seminar.

Walson-Jack emphasized that the existing public service rule PSR 120243 does not exempt retiring officers from their duties during the notice period. The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to stop compelling officers to vacate their positions before their retirement date, warning that such actions are inconsistent with public service rules.