The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to discontinue the long-standing practice of placing civil servants on a compulsory three-month leave before retirement, stating that such a provision does not exist in the Public Service Rules (PSR).
The directive was issued in a circular by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, and addressed to key public sector leaders, including 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 misinterpreted the mandatory three-month retirement notice as an automatic leave period, leading to the premature withdrawal of officers from active duty.
According to the Head of Service, Rule 120243 outlines three key requirements for retiring officers: a three-month notice of retirement, participation in a one-month pre-retirement seminar, and the use of the remaining period to complete documentation related to service records and pension processing.
She emphasised that the notice period is not a leave entitlement, stressing that officers remain in active service and are expected to continue their official duties unless they are attending approved workshops or are on authorised leave.
“The so-called mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave has no basis in the Public Service Rules,” the circular stated.
Consequently, MDAs have been instructed to stop asking retiring officers to vacate their positions before their official retirement dates. Instead, they are to ensure that such officers remain productive, attend necessary retirement programmes, and complete all required documentation before exiting service.
The directive also mandates top government officials to circulate the new clarification widely and ensure full compliance across their organisations.
For years, many agencies treated the retirement notice period as a de facto leave, allowing workers to stay away from duty while awaiting retirement processing. The new policy aims to standardise the interpretation of the rules and prevent the loss of experienced manpower.
Officials say the move will improve service delivery by ensuring that retiring officers continue contributing their expertise up to their final day, while also addressing persistent challenges such as delays in pension processing and discrepancies in personnel records.
Under existing regulations, federal civil servants retire at 60 years of age or after 35 years of service, whichever comes first. The updated directive reinforces that the three-month period before retirement is intended for notice and administrative preparation—not extended absence from duty.
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