FG Scraps Three-Month Terminal Leave for Civil Servants

The Federal Government has directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to immediately stop the practice of placing civil servants on a mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave, stating that the arrangement has no basis in the Public Service Rules.

The directive was issued in a circular by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, and addressed to senior government officials across ministries and agencies.

Titled “Correct Interpretation of Public Service Rule 120243 on Pre-Retirement Activities,” the circular clarified that what has long been treated as terminal leave is in fact a notice period and administrative preparation window, not an entitlement to leave.

According to the circular, Rule 120243 requires civil servants approaching retirement to give three months’ notice, attend a one-month pre-retirement workshop or seminar, and use the remaining period to complete documentation and pension-related processes.

The government stressed that the so-called “mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave” is not provided for under the rules and must no longer be enforced by MDAs.

Officials explained that retiring officers remain in active service during the notice period and are expected to continue performing their duties except when attending approved retirement training programmes or granted leave under existing regulations.

The circular further directed that no agency should compel officers to vacate their posts before their official retirement date.

It also instructed permanent secretaries, directors-general and heads of government institutions to ensure strict compliance and proper communication of the new directive to all staff.

For years, many MDAs had interpreted the retirement notice period as automatic leave, often allowing officers to exit active duty months before their formal retirement dates.

The new directive is expected to standardise implementation across the federal civil service and reduce manpower gaps caused by early disengagement of experienced personnel.

Nigeria’s civil service retirement system is governed by the Public Service Rules and the Pension Reform Act, with retirement set at 60 years of age or 35 years of service, whichever comes first.

Government officials say the reform will improve service delivery, ensure continuity in public administration, and strengthen accountability in retirement processing and pension documentation.