The Federal Government has abolished the long-standing practice of placing civil servants on a mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave, declaring that the provision has no basis in the Public Service Rules.
This was contained in a circular titled “Correct Interpretation of Public Service Rule 120243 on Pre-Retirement Activities”, issued by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, who directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to immediately discontinue the practice.
Walson-Jack explained that the relevant rule only requires civil servants to give a three-month notice before retirement, and does not provide for an automatic leave period.
According to her, the clarification was necessary to standardise retirement procedures across government institutions and prevent misapplication of the rules.
She added that the move would also help retain experienced manpower in the public service for as long as officers are officially in active duty.
“The so-called ‘mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave’ has no basis in the Public Service Rules,” she stated, stressing that officers remain in service during the notice period unless they are granted approved leave or released for official engagements.
The circular further clarified that Rule 120243 outlines three key obligations for retiring officers: a three-month notice before retirement, attendance at a one-month pre-retirement seminar, and the use of the remaining period to regularise records and complete pension documentation.
“A retiring officer must give three months’ notice before their effective date of retirement. This is a notice requirement, not a leave entitlement,” the circular added.
The Federal Government directed permanent secretaries, directors-general and heads of agencies to ensure strict compliance with the new interpretation, noting that the adjustment is expected to improve service delivery by retaining skilled officers until their official exit dates.