Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, has issued a circular to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), indicating the implementation of Nigeria’s new Public Service Rules (PSR).
The anticipated changes on the new PSR are going to result in the compulsory retirement of more than 500 directors within the civil service.
The circular reads:
“Following the approval of the revised Public Service Rules by the Federal Executive Council on the 27th of September, 2021 and its subsequent unveiling during the public service lecture during the commemoration of the 2023 Civil Service Week, the PSR has become operational with effect from 27 July, 2023,”
“You are, therefore, to ensure full compliance with all provisions of the Public Service Rules, 2021. Please, ensure strict compliance with the contents of this circular.”
A key provision of the PSR is the establishment of a tenure system for Permanent Secretaries who “shall hold office for a term of four years and another renewable term based only on satisfactory performance.” stated in the circular.
Under the new rule, directors (GL 17) or their equivalent in other MDAs must retire after serving eight years in their positions.
This policy will affect over 500 directors currently on GL 17 in the Federal Civil Service, as they will be required to retire.
In the same vein it is expected to give room for Deputy Directors under GL16 to be move up to GL 17.