FG ORDERS MDAs TO END MANDATORY THREE-MONTH PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS

FG ORDERS MDAs TO END MANDATORY THREE-MONTH PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS The Federal Government has directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies MDAs to immediately stop the practice of placing civil servants on compulsory three-month pre-retirement leave, describing the policy as inconsistent with the Public Service Rules PSR and therefore unlawful.The directive, issued through the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, comes amid growing concerns that some MDAs have been enforcing the practice as a standard procedure ahead of retirement, despite its absence in official civil service regulations. Government officials clarified that the PSR does not provide for any mandatory pre-retirement leave, stressing that civil servants are entitled to remain in service until their official retirement date unless otherwise stated under lawful disciplinary or administrative provisions. The circular warned accounting officers and heads of MDAs to desist from the practice immediately, stating that any continued enforcement would be considered a violation of established service regulations. According to the Federal Government, the move is part of broader efforts to harmonise human resource practices across the civil service and eliminate arbitrary administrative actions that may affect workers’ rights and benefits. Officials say the directive is intended to promote fairness, transparency, and adherence to due process in the management of personnel matters within the public service. The now-abolished practice reportedly saw some civil servants being asked to proceed on three-month pre-retirement leave prior to their official exit date, effectively shortening their active service period and in some cases affecting financial entitlements. Labour observers have previously raised concerns that the practice created inconsistencies across MDAs, with some agencies enforcing it while others did not. The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation reiterated that all MDAs must strictly comply with the PSR and ensure that no additional or unofficial conditions are imposed on retiring officers. The office also warned that disciplinary measures could be taken against agencies or officials who fail to comply with the new directive. The decision has been welcomed by some labour analysts who argue that it restores clarity to civil service exit procedures and protects workers from arbitrary administrative practices. However, stakeholders note that effective enforcement will be key to ensuring uniform compliance across federal institutions, many of which have historically applied internal variations to national rules. With the directive now in effect, attention is expected to shift to how quickly MDAs adjust their internal processes to align with the Public Service Rules. The Federal Government says it remains committed to ongoing civil service reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and standardisation across all levels of public administration.