Following the new tenure limit introduced for directors in the Federal Civil Service, the Federal Ministry of Finance has directed all its directors who have spent eight years in the directorate cadre to tender their notices for retirement.

Over 500 directors in various MDAs  are to be affected by the new rule.

A memo signed by the Director of Administration of the ministry, Mariya Rufai, dated August 3, 2023, and addressed to all directors and heads of units of the ministry conveyed the directive.

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation on July 28, 2023, launched the newly revised Public Service Rules.

In the newly revised rules, it was observed that the Federal Government introduced a tenure policy for Permanent Secretaries. Though the rule states that Permanent Secretaries will now spend four years, it further notes that their tenure is subject to renewal following evaluation of their performances. It also states that directors who spend eight years will compulsorily retire after the period.

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, had in a memo addressed to all ministries, called for immediate implementation of the Public Service Rules, PSR.

Consequently, the Ministry of Finance in the memo said: “I write to refer you to the “2021 Revised Edition” of the Public Service Rules which takes effect from 27th July 2023. Consequently, all Directors (SGL 17) who have spent eight years and above on the post are by this Internal Circular directed to submit their notice of retirement in line with Section 020909 of the revised PSR effective from the date stated thereof.

“Accordingly, all affected directors are advised to commence the process of documentation with the Administration Department for compulsory retirement by virtue of the section under reference.

“Furthermore, the Directors in question should formally hand over to the most senior officers in their respective Departments and surrender all official documents including Identification Cards as well as official vehicles (if any) before exiting.

“Please bring the content of this internal circular to the attention of all concerned for strict compliance.”