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Tag: Civil Servants

  • FG Ends Mandatory Three-Month Pre-Retirement Leave for Civil Servants

    The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to stop placing civil servants on mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave, clarifying that the practice is not recognised under the Public Service Rules.

    The directive was issued by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, in a circular addressed to ministers, permanent secretaries, service chiefs and heads of government agencies.

    FG Clarifies Public Service Rule

    In the circular titled “Correct Interpretation of Public Service Rule 120243 on Pre-Retirement Activities,” Walson-Jack said several MDAs had wrongly interpreted the retirement notice period as automatic leave, resulting in officers leaving their posts before their official retirement dates.

    She explained that the rule only requires civil servants approaching retirement to provide three months’ notice, attend a one-month pre-retirement workshop or seminar, and complete pension and documentation processes before retirement.

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

    Retiring Officers Must Remain on Duty

    According to the Head of Service, the three-month period is strictly a notice requirement and should not be treated as a leave entitlement.

    She noted that retiring officers are expected to continue carrying out their official responsibilities during the period, except when attending approved pre-retirement seminars or when 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,” the circular stated.

    The directive further stressed that officers remain active members of the service until their official retirement date.

    MDAs Directed to Comply

    Walson-Jack instructed permanent secretaries, directors-general, chief executives and heads of agencies to ensure full compliance with the clarification.

    Under the new directive, retiring civil servants are expected to remain at work while completing pension documentation, reconciling records and attending approved retirement programmes.

    The clarification is expected to affect thousands of federal workers approaching retirement each year, as many MDAs had previously treated the notice period as a form of pre-retirement leave.

    Retirement in Nigeria’s federal civil service is based on either attaining 60 years of age or completing 35 years of service, whichever comes first.

  • FG Raises Civil Servants’ Allowances, Approves New Retirement Benefits

    The Federal Government has approved an upward review of allowances and welfare packages for civil servants, alongside a new retirement benefit structure aimed at improving earnings and post-service support.

    Approval announced in Abuja

    The decision was disclosed on Friday in Abuja by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, during a briefing following approvals by the Federal Executive Council.

    She said the changes apply to workers under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure, affecting a wide range of federal employees.

    According to her, the revised peculiar allowances now cut across all grade levels, leading to improved pay for both junior and senior officers.

    Tour and operational allowances reviewed

    The Federal Government also approved increases in several allowances, including duty tour allowance, estacode, and book allowance.

    Walson-Jack explained that a number of provisions in the Public Service Rules had been updated to reflect current economic realities and improve staff welfare.

    She added that civil servants attending approved training programmes will now receive full duty tour allowance, even when such programmes are held within their duty location.

    New retirement benefit introduced

    A key part of the reform is the introduction of a new exit package for workers under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

    From January 1, 2026, retiring civil servants will receive a lump sum equivalent to their full annual earnings, in addition to their pension entitlements.

    Walson-Jack said the measure is designed to ensure stronger financial security for workers after retirement.

    Employee compensation scheme activated

    The government also announced the full implementation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, which provides support for workers who suffer injuries or die in active service.

    The development is expected to reshape conversations around public sector welfare as it gains attention.

     

  • Peller Apologises After “Civil Servants” Comment Triggers Backlash

    Popular content creator, Peller, has apologised following widespread criticism over his recent remarks about civil servants.

    Backlash over viral comment

    The controversy started after a video surfaced where he suggested that luxury destinations like the Maldives are not for civil servants, adding that he reportedly spent about ₦30 million on the trip.

    The comment quickly sparked reactions online, with many Nigerians calling him out over the statement.

    His explanation

    Reacting to the backlash, Peller admitted he did not fully understand the term “civil servants” when he made the comment.

    “I didn’t know the meaning of civil servants. It’s now they told me about civil servants. Please, you guys should forgive me,” he said.

    He explained that he picked up the phrase from a car dealer in Abuja who often used it, which influenced his own usage.

    Fear over NYSC plans

    The influencer also expressed concern about how the controversy could affect his future, particularly his plans to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    “I just realised civil servants are corpers, NYSC people, and I want to serve. Please, I’m sorry. It shouldn’t be that you people will reject me when I’m about to go for NYSC because of my comment,” he added.

    Mixed reactions trail apology

    His apology has continued to generate mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians expressing sympathy while others criticised his lack of understanding.

    One user wrote, “He no even understand wetin him talk before,” while another added, “Civil servants no be only corpers.”