The Nigerian government has ordered the immediate retirement of directors who have served eight years or more in the directorate cadre across the health sector.
The directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Health, affects directors within the ministry, federal hospitals, and affiliated agencies, according to an internal memo obtained in Abuja on Tuesday.
The move follows an earlier instruction mandating all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to enforce the eight-year tenure policy for directors and permanent secretaries, in line with a new deadline set by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
In the memo signed by Tetshoma Dafeta, who oversees the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, the enforcement of the policy was reaffirmed.
The circular referenced the Eight-Year Tenure Policy of the Federal Public Service, as stipulated in the Revised Public Service Rules 2021 (PSR 020909), which mandates compulsory retirement for directors after eight years in the rank. It directed that officers who have completed eight years as of December 31, 2025, be disengaged from service without delay.
Heads of agencies and parastatals were instructed to ensure that affected officers promptly hand over official documents and government property. The memo also ordered the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) Unit to halt their salaries immediately and recover any payments made beyond their disengagement date.
It further cited a recent circular—Ref. No. HSCF/3065/Vol.I/225, dated February 10, 2026—issued by the civil service office, emphasizing strict compliance.
Additionally, institutions were directed to submit the nominal roll of all directorate officers (CONMESS 07/CONHESS 15/CONRAISS 15) to designated ministry email addresses. Officials from both the civil service office and the ministry are expected to conduct monitoring visits to ensure adherence, with the memo warning that failure to comply would attract stiff sanctions.
