The Federal Government has officially scrapped the three-month pre-retirement leave previously granted to civil servants, in a move aimed at strengthening workforce efficiency and ensuring uniform application of public service regulations.

The directive, issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, clarifies that the practice of allowing officers to exit active duty three months before their official retirement date has no basis in the Public Service Rules.

According to the Head of Service, the new measure is intended to standardise procedures across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), many of which had adopted varying interpretations of the rule over time.

The government explained that the relevant provision only requires retiring officers to give a three-month notice ahead of their exit, not to proceed on mandatory leave. Within this period, officers are expected to participate in a one-month pre-retirement seminar and complete necessary documentation related to pensions and service records.

The circular emphasised that civil servants must remain at their duty posts until their official retirement dates, except when attending approved programmes or when granted leave in line with existing regulations.

Officials noted that the previous practice had led to the early disengagement of experienced personnel, creating avoidable manpower shortages and affecting service delivery across government institutions.

By discontinuing the pre-retirement leave, the Federal Government aims to retain skilled officers in active service for as long as required, while also improving operational efficiency within the civil service.

The directive takes immediate effect, with all MDAs instructed to comply fully with the clarified interpretation of the Public Service Rules.