A human rights activist, Habibu Garba, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in alleged attempts to retain top civil servants beyond retirement in federal ministries, departments and agencies.
Garba, in an open letter dated April 2026 and addressed to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, warned of rising tension across MDAs over what he described as a “sit-tight syndrome” among some directors.
He urged the President to direct the Head of Service to uphold the integrity of the civil service and halt what he termed an “ugly development”.
According to him, decisive action would strengthen public confidence in the administration’s commitment to transparency and good governance.
“It is being alleged that some public officials in these MDAs, including the Federal Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Works, are enmeshed in intense lobbying to retain their positions after reaching mandatory retirement age,” the letter read.
Garba cited provisions of the Public Service Rules, which mandate retirement at 60 years of age or after 35 years of pensionable service, whichever comes first.
He noted that the alleged breach of these rules had stalled career progression for many officers, as some directors reportedly remain in office long after due retirement.
According to him,findings indicated that workers in the affected MDAs are already mobilising against the move, warning of a possible showdown if the plan is not reversed.
“Some aggrieved staff accused ministers of interfering in the retirement process in a bid to keep favoured directors in office.
“They warned that extending the tenure of retired directors undermines established regulations, blocks opportunities for younger officers, and slows institutional renewal,” Garba stated.
The workers further alleged that the affected directors were driven by personal interest rather than merit.
