ABUJA — The Federal Government has issued a directive to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to immediately discontinue the practice of placing civil servants on a "mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave."

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, clarified that this common practice has no legal basis within the Public Service Rules (PSR).

Clarification of Public Service Rule 120243

In a circular titled “Correct Interpretation of Public Service Rule 120243 on Pre-Retirement Activities,” the Head of Service emphasized that the three-month period preceding retirement is a notice requirement, not a leave entitlement.

Under the corrected interpretation, the three-month period is intended for the following administrative activities:

Notification: Officers must submit their formal notice of retirement three months before their exit date.

Professional Development: Attending a mandatory one-month pre-retirement workshop or seminar.

Administrative Reconciliation: Using the remaining two months to reconcile service records, finalize pension documentation, and ensure a smooth transition.

Key Policy Changes

Duty Status: Retiring officers remain active public servants throughout the three-month notice period.They are expected to continue performing their official duties unless they are actively participating in approved pre-retirement workshops or are on authorized leave under existing regulations.

Standardization: The directive aims to stop MDAs from prematurely compelling experienced officers to vacate their posts, a practice that the government noted has led to unnecessary loss of manpower and institutional knowledge.

Compliance: Permanent Secretaries, Directors-General, and Chief Executives of government organizations have been instructed to ensure strict adherence to this interpretation across all federal institutions.

This policy shift is part of a broader effort to standardize administrative procedures across the federal civil service and improve service delivery by keeping experienced personnel active until their official date of retirement.