The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to immediately stop the practice of placing civil servants on a compulsory three-month pre-retirement leave, clarifying that no such provision exists in the Public Service Rules (PSR).
The directive was contained in a circular dated May 13, 2026, and signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack.
The circular was addressed to ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of government agencies, service chiefs, and other senior public sector officials.
According to the Head of Service, several MDAs have been incorrectly interpreting Public Service Rule 120243 by treating the mandatory three-month notice period before retirement as a leave period, resulting in officers being asked to stop performing their duties ahead of their official retirement dates.
The Office of the Head of Civil Service stated:
“It has come to the attention of this Office that some Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have continued to treat the three-month notice period preceding retirement as a mandatory leave period, contrary to the provisions of the extant Public Service Rules (PSR).”
Under Public Service Rule 120243, officers are required to notify the service three months before their retirement date.
“Officers are required to give three months’ notice to retire from Service before the effective date of retirement.
“At the commencement of three months, Officers should proceed immediately on the mandatory one-month pre-retirement workshop/seminar. For the remaining two months, retiring Officers are expected to take necessary measures to put their records straight to facilitate the speedy processing of their retirement benefits,” it said.
The government explained that the rule outlines three separate obligations rather than a leave entitlement.
“A retiring officer must give three months’ notice before their effective date of retirement. This is a notice requirement, not a leave entitlement.
“During the first month of the notice period, officers must attend an approved MDA-mandated pre-retirement programme.
“During the remaining two months, officers are expected to regularise their service records, pension documentation, and other retirement-related matters to facilitate seamless processing of their benefits,” it added.
As a result, all MDAs have been instructed to:
“discontinue the practice of treating the three-month notice period as compulsory leave and compelling officers to vacate duty based on a non-existent provision, ensure that a retiring officer continues to discharge official responsibilities throughout the notice period, except as otherwise approved, facilitate the timely participation of retiring officers in approved pre-retirement seminars and workshops under MDA-approved programmes and ensure prompt processing and reconciliation of all retirement records, pension documentation, and other entitlements within the stipulated period.”
The circular further directed permanent secretaries, directors-general, executive secretaries, chairpersons of statutory agencies, and chief executive officers of government institutions to ensure strict compliance with the directive and communicate it to all staff across the public service.
Key Retirement Benefits Available To Nigerian Federal Civil Servants
Beyond the recent clarification on retirement procedures, federal civil servants are entitled to a number of retirement benefits under Nigeria’s pension framework.
- Monthly Pension Payments
Federal civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) receive retirement benefits through their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA), which are funded by contributions from both the employee and the Federal Government during their years of service. These funds provide periodic pension payments after retirement. - Retirement Savings Account (RSA) Benefits
Upon retirement, eligible civil servants can access their accumulated pension contributions through programmed withdrawals or by purchasing an annuity, depending on the option selected under the Pension Reform Act. - Newly Approved Federal Government Gratuity Scheme
A major development in 2026 is the approval of a new Exit Benefit Scheme for federal civil servants.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a policy granting retiring federal civil servants a gratuity equivalent to 100 per cent of their total annual emolument. The scheme took effect from January 1, 2026, and applies to eligible officers who have served for at least 10 years. - One-Time Lump Sum Retirement Benefit
Under the newly approved scheme, retirees receive a substantial lump-sum gratuity in addition to their regular pension benefits, providing greater financial security during retirement. The gratuity does not replace existing pension benefits but complements them. - Death and Survivor Benefits
In cases where a retiree passes away, designated beneficiaries or next of kin may access benefits in line with pension regulations and the provisions of the Retirement Savings Account framework.
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