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

The directive was issued by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, through a circular addressed to ministers, permanent secretaries, service chiefs, heads of agencies and other senior government officials.

In the circular titled “Correct Interpretation of Public Service Rule 120243 on Pre-Retirement Activities,” Walson-Jack noted that several MDAs had wrongly interpreted the three-month retirement notice period as an automatic leave entitlement, resulting in the premature withdrawal of officers from active service.

According to her, Public Service Rule 120243 only requires officers approaching retirement to provide three months’ notice, attend a one-month pre-retirement seminar or workshop, and utilise the remaining period to regularise service records and pension documentation.

“The so-called mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave has no basis in the Public Service Rules,” the Head of Service stated.

She explained that the rule establishes three separate obligations: notification of retirement, participation in approved pre-retirement programmes, and completion of administrative requirements before retirement.

The circular emphasised that retiring officers remain full public servants throughout the notice period and are expected to continue performing their official duties unless attending approved workshops or granted leave under existing regulations.

“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,” the circular stated.

As a result, all MDAs have been directed to stop compelling officers due for retirement to vacate their offices before their official retirement dates.

Under the directive, retiring officers are expected to continue discharging their responsibilities while simultaneously participating in approved retirement preparation programmes and completing pension documentation processes.

The Head of Service also instructed permanent secretaries, directors-general, executive secretaries, chairpersons of statutory agencies and chief executives of government organisations to ensure strict compliance with the new directive.

The clarification is expected to impact thousands of federal civil servants approaching retirement annually.

For years, many government institutions treated the three-month notice period as a form of extended leave, often directing officers to stop reporting for work immediately after submitting retirement notices. The new directive seeks to standardise implementation of the Public Service Rules and prevent the loss of experienced manpower before official retirement dates.

The Federal Government believes the measure will improve service delivery by allowing retiring officers to continue contributing their expertise while completing retirement and pension documentation.

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The Federal Government has approved the long-awaited 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants following sustained pressure from organised labour and threats of industrial action.

The decision followed a marathon meeting held on Tuesday and chaired by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, in Abuja.

The approval brings an end to nearly two years of agitation by workers over delayed adjustments linked to the implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage structure.

NSIWC Releases Implementation Circular

During the meeting, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) formally released the circular for the implementation of the allowance.

The move marks a major breakthrough in negotiations between government representatives and labour unions.

Mrs Walson-Jack emphasised the need for stronger communication and trust between government institutions and labour unions to prevent avoidable industrial disputes.

She noted that while labour unions have the constitutional right to make demands, dialogue and constructive engagement remain essential for industrial harmony.

Labour Leaders Welcome Intervention

The meeting brought together leaders of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), led by National Chairman Benjamin Uyanto, alongside the Executive Chairman of NSIWC, Eyo Nta.

Both parties reportedly commended the Head of Service for intervening and facilitating a resolution acceptable to all stakeholders.

At the end of deliberations, an implementation circular table for the 40 per cent allowance was officially presented to labour representatives.

Allowance Takes Effect May 1

National Secretary of the JNPSNC (Trade Union side), Olowoyo Gbenga, described the development as a significant win for workers.

According to him, implementation of the allowance will take effect from May 1, 2026.

Workers had reportedly been waiting since July 2024 for adjustments tied to the new wage structure.

Strike Action May Be Suspended

Gbenga revealed that the union had earlier fixed May 21 for a nationwide industrial action over delays in implementing the allowance.

He alleged that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission had initially resisted responsibility before the intervention of the Office of the Head of Service.

“With this development, workers may likely sheath their swords and allow industrial peace to reign in the workplace,” he said.

He also urged state governments to adopt similar measures so workers at state and local government levels can benefit from the welfare package.

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The Ogun State Government has approved a weekly day off and a ₦10,000 monthly transport allowance for civil servants as part of measures to ease the impact of rising living costs.

The directive, approved by Governor Dapo Abiodun, will take effect from April 2026 and run for an initial period of three months.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, who said the intervention was designed to cushion the effects of increased fuel prices and the resulting spike in transportation costs.

According to him, the weekly day-off policy will provide relief for workers while also helping to improve productivity across the state’s civil service.

“Towards providing succour to the workforce in light of the hike in fuel prices and its impact on transportation and cost of living, the governor has approved one day off duty in a week,” the statement noted.

In addition to the break, eligible workers will receive a ₦10,000 monthly transport allowance as a temporary palliative to support commuting expenses.

However, the policy will not apply to workers on essential duties. These include medical personnel, teachers, judicial officers, security personnel, and heads of departments, who are expected to maintain uninterrupted services. They will, nonetheless, benefit from the transport allowance.

The government also directed accounting officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to determine suitable days off for workers under their supervision, ensuring that public service delivery remains unaffected.

Onasanya described the initiative as a timely intervention, urging workers to reciprocate the government’s gesture with increased dedication and efficiency.

The move comes amid growing economic pressure on Nigerian workers, with rising fuel prices continuing to drive up transport fares and overall cost of living.

Analysts say such targeted interventions by state governments may provide short-term relief, especially for public sector workers, as broader economic challenges persist.

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Nigerian civil servants have called for a new minimum wage of N154,000 alongside a 120 percent increase in salaries and allowances to cushion the effects of rising economic hardship.

The demand was made by the (JNPSNC) in a letter addressed to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

According to the council, workers are grappling with severe economic pressures driven by inflation, high fuel costs, and increasing expenses on food, housing, healthcare, and transportation.

Call for urgent salary review

The council stressed the need for an immediate and comprehensive review of wages, noting that current salaries no longer reflect economic realities.

It proposed that the minimum salary for public servants on Grade Level 01 Step 1 be raised to N154,000 monthly, representing a 120 percent increase.

Key proposals to government

The union urged the government to begin immediate negotiations through relevant agencies, including the .

Other recommendations include harmonising wages across ministries, departments, and agencies, introducing cost-of-living adjustments tied to inflation, and providing welfare incentives such as subsidised transport and affordable housing.

Concerns over workers’ welfare

The council warned that the declining purchasing power of workers has affected morale and productivity across the public service.

It added that many civil servants are struggling to meet basic needs, describing the situation as unsustainable if urgent action is not taken.

Commendation for gratuity approval

While pressing its demands, the council commended President for approving full gratuity payments to retiring federal civil servants, describing it as a positive step toward improving welfare.

The union, however, maintained that a salary review remains critical to ensuring dignity, efficiency, and stability within Nigeria’s public service.

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The Anambra State Government has enforced salary deductions for civil servants who failed to report to duty on Mondays, following through on its earlier warning against compliance with the sit-at-home directive observed in parts of the South-East.

The decision, which took effect in February salaries paid in early March, has sparked complaints from affected workers, many of whom reported substantial reductions in their take-home pay. The enforcement marks a shift from verbal warnings to financial penalties as the state moves to curb absenteeism linked to the weekly protest order.

Civil servants at the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat in Awka expressed frustration after receiving bank alerts reflecting significant deductions. Some workers claimed the cuts appeared disproportionate to the number of Mondays they were absent.

One staff member in the Ministry of Information, who spoke anonymously, said he received just N3,500 from a salary exceeding N80,000. According to him, another colleague reportedly received only N100 as net pay after deductions were applied. Others said they experienced cuts of up to N10,000, even when they allegedly missed work only once or twice.

The state government had earlier announced in January that it would adopt a pro-rata salary structure, deducting wages for each Monday a worker failed to report physically to duty. The measure was presented as part of efforts to restore full administrative operations and counter the economic and institutional impact of the sit-at-home compliance.

Confirming the development, Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, stated that the deductions were intentional and tied strictly to attendance verification records.

He explained that workers were required to clock in at the start of work and clock out at the end of the day every Monday. According to him, failure to complete both processes automatically indicated absence, regardless of whether a staff member was physically present.

The government maintains that the clock-in system was introduced to ensure accountability and provide verifiable proof of attendance. Officials argue that consistent absenteeism undermines governance delivery and weakens public sector productivity.

However, affected workers insist there may have been computational errors in applying the deductions. Some are calling for a review of the attendance logs and salary calculations to address what they describe as irregularities.

The sit-at-home order, originally enforced by separatist elements in the South-East, has had lingering effects on economic activities and public institutions in the region. While compliance has declined in some states, pockets of adherence remain, particularly among public servants concerned about security risks.

Policy analysts say Anambra’s strict enforcement strategy reflects a broader push by state authorities to normalize administrative operations and reduce economic losses. At the same time, labour observers warn that disputes over payroll deductions could trigger tensions if grievances are not transparently addressed.

The development places Anambra at the forefront of states adopting financial deterrence to combat sit-at-home absenteeism. Whether the measure will achieve sustained workplace compliance without escalating labour unrest remains to be seen.

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The Federal Government has approved a new housing loan ceiling for civil servants, allowing Permanent Secretaries to access up to ₦25 million under the revised Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board scheme.

A memo signed by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, said the review aims to improve workers’ welfare and support home ownership among federal employees.

“In line with the government’s commitment to enhance the welfare of its workforce, the ceiling for housing loans has been reviewed upwards,” the memo stated.

Under the new structure, Permanent Secretaries can get ₦25m; Level 17 officers ₦14m; Levels 15–16 ₦12m; Levels 12–14 ₦10m; Levels 8–10 ₦8m; Levels 5–7 ₦6m; and Levels 3–4 ₦5m.

Before now, the highest-ranking civil servants could access only ₦15m.

The loans will be repaid over 25 years, depending on age. Retirees must clear outstanding balances from non-salary sources, while the board may take possession of property if repayment is incomplete.

A former ASCSN President, Tommy Etim, hailed the move as long overdue, noting it makes the loan more meaningful and fairer across all cadres.

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The Kaduna State Government has begun implementing the new ₦72,000 minimum wage, starting with civil servants on Grade Levels 1 to 6.

The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), Kaduna State Council, confirmed the development during a press briefing on Thursday, describing it as a welcome first step — but called for immediate extension to all workers.

“The government has started with Grade Levels 1–6, but we want to make it clear that this is only the first phase,” said State NLC Chairman, Comrade Ayuba Suleiman. “We expect the implementation to cover all categories of workers, including teachers, healthcare workers, and employees in tertiary institutions and parastatals.”

The government has linked the full rollout to an ongoing staff and pension verification exercise expected to conclude by the end of September.

“While we understand the need for proper documentation, we want the government to fast-track the process so that no category of worker is left behind,” Suleiman said.

He welcomed the plan to revise healthcare salary structures in line with the new wage but expressed concern that local government staff, primary school teachers, and healthcare workers are yet to benefit.

“Our people have suffered enough. Inflation has eroded salaries, and families are struggling to survive. The ₦72,000 minimum wage is not a favor; it is a right,” he added.

Talks between the NLC and the state government are ongoing. Suleiman urged transparency, warning that industrial peace depends on timely and fair implementation.

“We expect the government to do the right thing,” he said.

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By Ameh Gabriel

The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs to roll out a nationwide training program aimed at equipping civil servants with modern project management skills.

The initiative was unveiled during a courtesy visit by the Registrar General and Chief Executive Officer of CIPMN, Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe, who led a delegation to confer Fellowship Awards on the Minister, Hon. Zaphaniah Jisalo, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Onwusoro Maduka Ihemelandu, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister after the conferment, Dr. Ihemelandu described the partnership as a game-changer for Nigeria’s public service. He explained that the training will commence with Permanent Secretaries at the federal and state levels, before extending to Directors and subsequently civil servants across all 774 local government areas of the country.

“We can begin from the Federal Capital Territory and scale nationwide. Upskilling civil servants in project management will strengthen delivery, improve costing efficiency, and enhance accountability,” the Permanent Secretary said.

He stressed that poor project costing and weak quality assurance remain major obstacles to effective service delivery, citing Nigeria’s volatile economic environment as a key challenge.

“Most of the problems we face in governance today come from weak project cost management. Prices fluctuate, quality assurance is often neglected, and many civil servants lack structured training in conceptualisation, monitoring, and evaluation. This initiative will help close those gaps,” he added.

Dr. Ihemelandu further urged CIPMN to convene a stakeholders’ forum, bringing on board agencies such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management, and the Bureau of Public Procurement. Such collaboration, he said, would ensure harmonised standards and more effective project delivery.

Earlier, CIPMN Registrar General, Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe, said the award presentation marked the beginning of a stronger collaboration between the Institute and the Ministry.

“By accepting this fellowship, you take up a unique role in driving project management reforms in Nigeria. Together, we will ensure that project delivery remains at the forefront of governance, in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Mbadiwe noted.

He added that CIPMN remains committed to its mandate of promoting professionalism, enforcing standards, and ensuring that project management is properly regulated across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

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Despite efforts to expand its housing loan scheme, the Federal Government says a large number of civil servants remain unable to access the facility.

Hajiya Ahmed, Executive Secretary of the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board, described the trend as worrisome. She explained that financial pressures and existing commitments have continued to limit eligibility for many workers.

At the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarterly Forum with Union Leaders, Ahmed revealed that the board had raised its loan ceiling to ₦20 million for senior staff and introduced a special package for officers on Grade Levels 8 to 14.

She further disclosed that partnerships with mortgage banks and private developers were being pursued to make home ownership easier for federal employees.

Declaring the forum open, Patience Onyekunle, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, said the engagement was designed to foster dialogue between the government and unions. She noted that sustained discussions help improve welfare, industrial peace, and productivity.

Onyekunle listed ongoing initiatives under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (2021–2025), including group life assurance, a ₦750 billion pension bond, and welfare reforms to support workers.

The Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) also announced plans to digitise its claims process, ensuring faster compensation for workplace accidents and deaths.

Union leaders welcomed the initiatives but pressed for reforms in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). They stressed that delays and bottlenecks discourage workers from seeking timely medical care.

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