The Federal Ministry of Health has directed the compulsory retirement of directors who have spent eight years or more in the directorate cadre across its departments, agencies and federal health institutions.
The directive was contained in an internal memo issued in Abuja and signed by Tetshoma Dafeta, who oversees the Office of the Permanent Secretary. The circular instructed heads of agencies and parastatals under the ministry to ensure immediate compliance with the tenure policy.
According to the memo, the action follows the provisions of the Revised Public Service Rules, which mandate that directors must retire after eight years in that rank.
“I am directed to remind you to take the necessary steps to ensure that all officers who have spent eight years as directors as of December 31, 2025, are disengaged from service immediately,” the directive stated.
The ministry further instructed that affected officials must hand over all government property and documents without delay, while their salaries are to be halted through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System.
“All concerned officers are to hand over officially and refund any emoluments received after their effective disengagement date,” the memo added.
The order aligns with the Federal Government’s broader enforcement of tenure limits across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, following a circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation earlier this month.
Under the revised public service framework introduced during the tenure of former Head of Service Folasade Yemi-Esan, permanent secretaries are limited to a four-year term subject to renewal based on performance, while directors on Grade Level 17 must retire after eight years in office.
Officials of the ministry and the civil service are expected to carry out monitoring visits to ensure full compliance, with the circular warning that sanctions would apply to any institution that fails to enforce the policy.
