The National Democratic Alliance’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) has urged President Bola Tinubu to put a hold on the tenure policy in the civil service.Â
This policy mandates that those serving as directors for eight years must retire, which the CSO argues violates the employment contract and deprives civil servants of the opportunity to advance in ranks.
The revised Public Service Rules (PSR), approved by the Federal Executive Council on September 27, 2021, came into effect on July 27, 2023.
Section 0209 of the revised PSR sets a four-year tenure limit for permanent secretaries, with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance.
Additionally, the rules stipulate that directors of Grade Level 17 or equivalent, as determined by other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), must retire after eight years in that position.
This specific policy has drawn criticism from the civil society organization, condemning it as detrimental to the civil service’s rights and potential for career progression.
The CSO expresses concerns that such stringent tenure limits may lead to corruption, as directors and permanent secretaries might prioritize personal gain over their duties due to the limited time they have in office.
The organization is calling for the suspension of this policy, citing a precedent set by former President Muhammad Buhari.
In essence, the CSO is advocating for a reevaluation of the recently implemented civil service tenure policy, expressing apprehension about its potential negative impact on the integrity and efficiency of the civil service.
