A long-standing practice that allowed many federal civil servants to leave work months before retirement has been halted by the Federal Government, creating fresh discussions across public institutions nationwide.
The new directive means workers approaching retirement will no longer be permitted to stop reporting for duty three months before their official retirement date. Instead, they are expected to remain at their duty posts and continue performing their responsibilities until their final day in service.
The decision has attracted attention because many workers had come to view the three-month notice period as an unofficial leave entitlement. However, the Federal Government has now clarified that such an interpretation does not align with existing public service regulations.
The retirement policy was reaffirmed through a directive issued by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack. According to the circular sent to Ministries, Departments and Agencies, officers approaching retirement must remain actively engaged during the notice period.
The directive explained that the three-month notice requirement serves a different purpose. Rather than allowing officers to leave work early, it is meant to provide time for retirement planning and documentation.
According to the circular, retiring officers are expected to remain at their duty posts throughout the mandatory three-month notice period and continue carrying out their official responsibilities.
Furthermore, the Head of Service noted that many government institutions had gradually adopted a different interpretation over the years.
This practice, she explained, created inconsistencies in workforce management and affected compliance with established regulations. Therefore, agency heads and accounting officers have been directed to ensure strict adherence to the approved guidelines.
Moreover, the government emphasized that officers nearing retirement are still permitted to prepare for life after service. Activities such as pension processing and approved retirement seminars can still be attended during the notice period.
Walson-Jack explained that the notice period is intended to allow officers to prepare for retirement, complete pension-related documentation and participate in approved pre-retirement programmes, not to leave work before their official exit date.
In addition, the move may help reduce disruptions that sometimes occur when key personnel leave their roles earlier than expected. Important duties can therefore be concluded more effectively before official retirement takes effect.
However, some workers may need time to adjust to the change. For many years, the early departure practice had become common in several government offices despite not being formally recognized.
