By Stella Omona
The National Council on Establishment (NCE), has again rejected the request for an upward review of the retirement age for public servants to 40 years of service or 65 years of age.
The 45th NCE meeting took place at the Command Guest House, Bauchi, Bauchi State, from Monday, 11th to Wednesday, 13th December, 2023.
The Council, in a communique jointly signed by the Chairman, who also the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, and the Secretary, Olufemi Oloruntola, stated that the proposed upward review of retirement age is contrary to the national aspiration of renewal, youth empowerment and innovation.
It reads in part: “Council for the umpteenth time rejected out rightly, the request for upward review of retirement age for public aervants to 40 years’ of service or 65 years of age; as it is contrary to national aspiration of renewal, youth empowerment, innovation and also not in tandem with the reality of our population dynamics. It strongly advised all tiers of government to check the demand.
“However, it noted that the option of contract appointment exists and should be explored where necessary to bridge skills gaps as a result of retirement.
Council equally approved:
” Integration of the National Skills Qualification (NSQ), Levels 1 to 5 in the Schemes of Service; Professionalization of the Human Resource Practice in the Public Service;
“Creation of Information and Public Relations Officer Cadre structured on SGL. 08-17 and Executive Officer (Information and Public Relations) Cadre structured on SGL. 06-14, in the Schemes of Service”.
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