The Federal Government has announced the discontinuation of mandatory three-month terminal leave for civil servants.
Prior to the announcement, civil servants while their retirements are approaching were mandated to go on leave for three months.
The practice cancellation is contained in a directive to Ministries, Departments and Agencies in which the author, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack said the new order came into effect immediately.
Walson-Jack in the circular titled: “Correct Interpretation of Public Service Rule 120243 on Pre-Retirement Activities,” and addressed to top government officials, including ministers, permanent secretaries, service chiefs, heads of agencies and other senior public sector administrators, said several MDAs had misrepresented the retirement notice period as an automatic leave period.
This she said, led to the premature withdrawal of officers from active service.
She explained that purpose based on the Public Service Rule was defeated saying it was to allow retiring officers to give three months’ notice before their exit date, attend a one-month pre-retirement workshop or seminar, and use the remaining period to regularise service records and pension documentation.
“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.
Walson-Jack proceeded: “PSR 120243 does not exempt retiring officers from official duties during the notice period, except where they are attending an approved pre-retirement workshop or seminar, or are otherwise authorised to be absent under extant leave rules.”
She went on to direct those in charge of MDAS to stop compelling retiring officers to vacate their posts before their official retirement dates.
