Nigeria scraps mandatory three-month pre-retirement 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 it has no foundation in the Public Service Rules. The directive was issued via a circular by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack.

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

According to the circular, titled “Correct Interpretation of Public Service Rule 120243 on Pre-Retirement Activities,” many MDAs have misinterpreted the retirement notice period as an automatic leave. This has led to officers being prematurely withdrawn from active service. Walson-Jack clarified that Public Service Rule 120243 outlines three requirements: a three-month notice period before retirement, attendance at a one-month pre-retirement workshop, and the use of the remaining time to finalize service records and pension documentation.

"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," the circular stated. The Head of Service emphasized that retiring officers remain public servants throughout the notice period and are expected to continue their official duties unless attending approved workshops or granted leave under existing regulations.

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

Consequently, all MDAs are now instructed to ensure that retiring officers continue to perform their responsibilities, participate in approved pre-retirement programs, and complete all necessary pension and service record reconciliations before their official exit date. The directive aims to prevent the premature removal of officers from their posts.

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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.