The Federal Government has instructed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to discontinue the practice of releasing civil servants from duty three months before their retirement date.
The directive was issued by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, who clarified that the Public Service Rules do not provide for an automatic three-month terminal leave for officers approaching retirement.
According to a circular sent to MDAs, retiring officers are expected to remain at their duty posts throughout the mandatory three-month notice period and continue carrying out their official responsibilities.
Walson-Jack explained that the notice period is intended to allow officers to prepare for retirement, complete pension-related documentation and participate in approved pre-retirement programmes, not to leave work before their official exit date.
She noted that a number of government institutions had over the years treated the notice period as a leave entitlement, resulting in employees vacating their positions months ahead of retirement.
The Head of Service said such interpretations were inconsistent with existing regulations and directed accounting officers and heads of agencies to ensure strict compliance with the rules.
Under the revised guidance, retiring workers may attend approved pre-retirement seminars and process retirement documentation during the notice period, but they are expected to remain in service until the effective date of retirement.
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