Abia State Sets Retirement Deadline for Public Servants as Reform Initiatives Take Center Stage.
Abia State, Nigeria – In a move aimed at revitalizing the public service and instilling fresh vitality into its workforce, the Abia State Government has reinstated a policy that will bring about significant changes to the tenure of senior officials within its administration.
The decision, designed to restore the morale of officers and promote efficiency, has been outlined in a circular dated September 19, 2023, bearing reference number HS/S.0001/SUB.1/123. The circular, signed by the state’s Head of Service, Lady Joy I. Maduka, details a series of tenure adjustments for key positions within the government.
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According to the circular, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of non-ministerial Departments will now serve in their positions for a term of four years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional four years, subject to satisfactory performance. However, Directors will face mandatory retirement upon serving eight years in their roles.
Retirement Deadline set
Importantly, the state government has set a clear deadline for those affected by these changes. The circular states that individuals in these positions should prepare for their retirement by January 1, 2024.
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It’s worth noting that these directives align with Rule 02809 of the Abia State Public Service Rules, which specifies a mandatory retirement age of sixty (60) years or thirty-five (35) years of pensionable service, whichever comes first.
Lady Joy I. Maduka emphasized that the responsibility for initiating the retirement process lies with the Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Non-ministerial Departments, and Directors affected by these changes. They are expected to provide the required three (3) months’ notice before their effective retirement date to ensure a smooth transition and timely receipt of retirement benefits.
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Abia State Retirement Deadline CircularÂ
The circular issued by the Head of Service takes immediate effect and supersedes any previous circulars on this matter. The reform initiatives signal the Abia State Government’s commitment to optimizing the public service sector, fostering accountability, and promoting a culture of efficient governance.
