FG scraps three-month terminal leave for civil servants

The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to immediately cease the practice of mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave for civil servants, declaring that such a provision is not recognized in the Public Service Rules.

“

The so-called ‘mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave’ has no basis in the Public Service Rules.

The directive, issued via a circular by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, clarified that the Public Service Rule 120243 outlines specific requirements for retiring officers. These include giving three months' notice before retirement, attending a one-month pre-retirement workshop, and utilizing the remaining period for service record and pension documentation.

"The so-called ‘mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave’ has no basis in the Public Service Rules," Walson-Jack stated in the circular. She emphasized that the three-month period is a notice obligation, not an automatic leave entitlement. Retiring officers are expected to continue their official duties throughout this notice period, except when attending approved workshops or granted leave under existing regulations.

“

A retiring officer must give three months’ notice before their effective date of retirement. This is a notice requirement, not a leave entitlement.

Consequently, MDAs are instructed to ensure that retiring officers remain engaged in their responsibilities until their official retirement date. This includes participating in pre-retirement programs and completing all necessary pension and service record reconciliations before their exit from public service.

“

PSR 120243 does not exempt retiring officers from official duties during the notice period, except where they are attending an approved pre-retirement workshop or seminar, or are otherwise authorised to be absent under extant leave rules.