Over 500 Civil Service Directors Face Compulsory Retirement Due to Revised Rules

Compulsory Retirement for Long-serving Directors

The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced newly revised Public Service Rules, 2021, which will be effective from July 27, 2023. As part of the new rules, about 512 directors in the civil service who have spent eight years on the directorate cadre may be forced out of the service. The rule also introduces a tenure policy for permanent secretaries, requiring them to serve four years, renewable subject to performance.

Implementation of Revised Rules

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, unveiled the revised public service rules during the civil service rule, with immediate implementation. A memo was sent to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies ordering strict compliance with the new rules.

Debate and Response

Some public servants have opposed the implementation of the new rules, stating that it conflicts with the mandatory 60 years retirement age for civil servants. However, associations like the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria and the Chairman of Joint Union Congress, Police Service Commission, view the policy as a welcome development that will stimulate career growth and eliminate bureaucracy in the public service.