The Abia State government has directed all permanent secretaries, directors, and heads of departments to retire after serving for a maximum of eight years in office.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the directive, contained in a circular issued by the head of service, Joy Maduka, is part of the government’s ongoing reforms aimed at reinvigorating the public service and restoring the morale of officers.
According to the circular, entitled: “Tenure of office for permanent secretaries, directors, and heads of non-ministerial departments,” the directive takes immediate effect and supersedes all previous circulars on the matter.
The circular also explained that the onus is on the affected officers to give the prescribed three months’ notice before the effective date of retirement. This, it said, is to prevent any form of delay in receiving their retirement benefits.
It said, “The Abia State government has found it necessary to reinstate a policy that will reinvigorate the public service, restore morale of officers and unlock the new Abia of hard working officers,” the circular said.
“Accordingly, the government has approved that permanent secretaries and heads of departments shall hold office for a term of four years renewal for another term of four years subject to satisfactory performance and no more.”
It further explained that “Directors shall compulsorily retire upon serving eight years on the post.”
It added that the approval is without prejudice to Rule 02809 of the state public service rules, which prescribes 60 years of age and/or 35 years of pensionable service, whichever is earlier for mandatory retirement.
“Consequently, all permanent secretaries, heads of non-ministerial departments and directors, who have spent eight years or more on the job by 1st January 2024 are hereby notified to commence their retirement activities.
“It is to be emphasised that the onus is on the permanent secretaries, heads of non-ministerial departments and directors affected to give the prescribed three months’ notice before the effective date of retirement.”
The directive is expected to affect scores of permanent secretaries, directors, and heads of departments in the Abia State public service.
