The Federal Government has directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to stop the practice of placing civil servants on a mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave, stating that the practice has no basis in the Public Service Rules.
The directive was issued in a circular by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, and addressed to ministers, permanent secretaries, service chiefs, and heads of government agencies.
Titled “Correct Interpretation of Public Service Rule 120243 on Pre-Retirement Activities,” the circular clarified that many MDAs had been wrongly interpreting the retirement notice period as automatic leave, leading to the premature disengagement of officers from duty.
According to the Head of Service, the Public Service Rule only requires retiring officers to give three months’ notice before exit, attend a one-month pre-retirement seminar, and use the remaining period to complete documentation and pension processes.
“The so-called ‘mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave’ has no basis in the Public Service Rules,” the circular stated.
She explained that retiring officers are expected to remain in active service during the notice period and continue performing their official duties, except when attending approved seminars or being granted authorised leave under existing rules.
“A retiring officer must give three months’ notice before their effective date of retirement. This is a notice requirement, not a leave entitlement,” it added.
The circular further instructed MDAs to stop compelling officers to vacate their posts before their official retirement dates, stressing that compliance with the rules is mandatory.
It directed permanent secretaries, directors-general, and chief executives to ensure strict adherence to the new interpretation across all federal establishments.
For years, several MDAs have treated the retirement notice period as de facto leave, allowing civil servants to stop reporting to work once their retirement process begins.
The new directive is expected to standardise implementation of the Public Service Rules, improve efficiency in pension processing, and ensure continuity in government operations.
Under Nigeria’s civil service structure, retirement occurs upon attaining 60 years of age or completing 35 years of service, whichever comes first.