New public service policy may force out 512 directors-FG

Following the Federal Government’s implementation of the newly revised Public Service Rules, 2021, approximately 512 directors in the civil service who have served on the directorate cadre for eight years may be made to leave their positions.

The Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation launched the PSR on July 28, 2023, in Abuja, and it will go into effect on July 27, 2023.

In accordance with the new regulations, permanent secretaries must now serve for a minimum of four years before being eligible for re-election.

Sources in the Federal civil service confirmed to one of our correspondents on Thursday that the new rule is anticipated to impact as many as 512 directors who have been in the same position for eight or more years.

According to Gistlover, the Federation’s Head of Civil Service, Folashade Yemi-Esan, announced the new public service regulations last week and stated that they would be put into effect right away.

Yemi-Esan pointed out that the regulations were updated while former President Muhammadu Buhari was in office, but the launch was postponed until President Bola Tinubu took office in accordance with the’renewed hope’ agenda.

As some directors who spoke to our correspondents in confidence noted, the policy is already causing tension and agitation in the civil service. They noted that an OHCSF memo had been sent to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to ensure compliance with the recently revised rules.

Yemi-Esan demanded strict adherence to the modified rules in a memo dated July 27 that was sent to all Permanent Secretaries, the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Auditor-General of the Federation, and the Heads of Extra Ministerial Departments.

The PSR has become operational with effect from 27 July 2023,” it stated. “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

“As a result, it is your responsibility to ensure that the Public Service Rules, 2021, are fully followed. Please make sure the information in this circular is strictly followed.

Public employees who opposed the new PSR’s implementation insisted, citing pertinent sections of the regulations, that it was in conflict with the civil service’s mandatory 60-year retirement age.