Nigeria’s federal government has ordered ministries, departments and agencies to stop placing civil servants on a mandatory three‑month pre‑retirement leave, saying the practice is not recognized under public service rules. The directive, signed by Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Didi Walson‑Jack, was circulated to ministers, permanent secretaries, service chiefs and agency heads, making clear that officers must remain in active service until their official retirement dates.
The circular, titled “Correct Interpretation of Public Service Rule 120243 on Pre Retirement Activities,” explained that many offices had wrongly treated the three‑month notice period as a leave entitlement. Walson Jack clarified that the rule only requires officers to give three months’ notice, attend a one‑month seminar, and use the remaining time to finalize documentation for service records and pension benefits.
She emphasized that retiring officers are expected to continue their official duties during the notice period unless attending approved retirement programs or granted leave under existing regulations. “The so called ‘mandatory three‑month pre‑retirement leave’ has no basis in the Public Service Rules,” she said, underscoring that the requirement is strictly about notice, not time off.
The government’s move is intended to standardize retirement procedures across the civil service and prevent premature disengagement of experienced personnel. Officials believe the change will help maintain efficiency, reduce workflow disruptions and ensure retiring officers contribute fully until their last day in office.
Reactions have been mixed. Some civil servants welcomed the clarification, saying it will keep skilled staff available longer and improve pension processing accuracy. Others expressed concern that the absence of a formal leave period could make the transition to retirement more demanding, with labor unions expected to review the directive and possibly call for additional support measures.
The policy shift reflects Nigeria’s broader effort to strengthen accountability and streamline public service operations. By keeping officers engaged until their official exit dates, authorities hope to preserve institutional knowledge, improve continuity in government functions and reinforce confidence in the country’s administrative systems.
