The Federal Ministry of Health has directed the immediate disengagement of directors who have spent a minimum of eight years in the directorate cadre, implementing the Federal Government’s tenure policy with immediate effect.
The directive, contained in an internal memo sighted in Abuja on Tuesday, applies to directors serving within the ministry, federal hospitals, agencies, and parastatals under its supervision.
The move follows an earlier federal directive mandating all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to strictly enforce the eight-year tenure limit for directors and permanent secretaries, as outlined in the revised Public Service Rules.
The memo, signed by Tetshoma Dafeta, Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Health, stated: “Further to the Eight (8)-Year Tenure Policy of the Federal Public Service, which mandates the compulsory retirement of Directors after eight years in that rank, as provided in the Revised Public Service Rules 2021(PSR 020909) copy attached, I am directed to remind you to take necessary action to ensure that all affected officers who have spent eight years as Directors, effective 31st December, 2025, are disengaged from Service immediately.”
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The circular further instructed heads of agencies and parastatals to ensure full compliance without delay.
“Accordingly, all Heads of Agencies and Parastatals are by this circular, to ensure that the affected staff hand over all official documents/possessions with immediate effect, their salaries are stopped by the IPPIS Unit and mandate the officers to refund to the treasury all emoluments paid after their effective date of disengagement.”
The ministry said the enforcement directive aligns with a recent circular from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, referenced as HSCF/3065/Vol.I/225 and dated February 10, 2026. “This is reiterated in a circular recently issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Ref. No. HSCF/3065/Vol.I/225, dated 10″ February 2026. A copy is herewith attached for guidance, please.”
In addition, the ministry directed institutions to submit comprehensive staff records to enable monitoring. “In addition, you are to forward the nominal roll of all directorate officers (CONMESS 07/CONHESS 15/CONRAISS 15) In your institution, send to [DHRM@health.gov.ng](mailto:DHRM@health.gov.ng) and [Agudosi.obinna@health.gov.ng](mailto:Agudosi.obinna@health.gov.ng). You may please note that officials from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Ministry will conduct a monitoring exercise to ensure compliance.”
The memo warned that non-compliance would attract penalties, stressing that:
“Failure to adhere to paragraph 2 above shall be met with stiff sanctions.”
The directive draws its authority from the revised Public Service Rules unveiled in 2023. In July of that year, the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan, announced the commencement of the updated rules during a lecture at the State House, Abuja, held to mark the 2023 Civil Service Week.
At the event, Yemi-Esan explained that the revised PSR took effect from July 27, 2023, following approval by the Federal Executive Council in September 2021. A circular was subsequently issued to Permanent Secretaries, the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Auditor-General for the Federation, and heads of extra-ministerial departments.
The circular stated: “Following the approval of the revised Public Service Rules (PSR) by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on September 27, 2021, and its subsequent unveiling during the public service lecture in commemoration of the 2023 Civil Service Week, the PSR has become operational with effect from July 27, 2023.”
Under Section 020909 of the revised rules, permanent secretaries are limited to a four-year tenure, renewable only upon satisfactory performance, while directors on Grade Level 17 or equivalent are required to compulsorily retire after eight years in the position.
The latest enforcement by the health ministry signals a renewed push by the Federal Government to ensure strict adherence to public service reforms aimed at enhancing accountability, efficiency, and leadership renewal across MDAs.
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