The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to discontinue the long-standing practice of placing civil servants on automatic three-month pre-retirement leave, clarifying that such a provision does not exist in the Public Service Rules.

The directive, issued by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, states that officers approaching retirement are expected to remain in active service throughout their notice period unless granted leave under existing regulations or required to attend approved retirement-related programmes.

According to the government, the three-month period stipulated under the Public Service Rules is strictly a retirement notice requirement and should not be interpreted as a leave entitlement.

The clarification followed concerns that some government institutions had been allowing employees to stop reporting for work months before their official retirement dates, resulting in the premature loss of manpower and experience within the public service.

Under the revised guidance, retiring officers must continue carrying out their official duties while simultaneously attending pre-retirement seminars and completing pension documentation where necessary.

The circular further directed permanent secretaries, chief executives and heads of government agencies to ensure immediate compliance across their respective institutions.

Officials said the move is aimed at promoting a uniform interpretation of the Public Service Rules, strengthening productivity across government establishments and ensuring that experienced personnel remain available until their official exit dates.

The government also expressed confidence that the measure would improve workforce efficiency while allowing retiring officers to adequately prepare for life after service without abandoning their responsibilities prematurely.