NCE Rejects Request for Review of Public Servants’ Retirement Age

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The National Council on Establishments (NCE) has rejected the call for upward review of retirement age for public servants from 60 to 65 and years of service from 35 to 40.

The Council reached the resolution at its 45th meeting held at the Command Guest House, Bauchi from December 11-13.

It resolved that the request by the organised labour was contrary to national aspiration of renewal, youth empowerment, innovation as well as not being in tandem with the reality of the country’s population.

It would be recalled that the Nigeria Labour Union (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliate unions had called for a review of the service year from 35 to 40 years.

But the NCE in a communiqué signed at the end of its meeting by the Chairman and Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi- Esan and the Secretary, Olufemi Oloruntola, strongly advised all tiers of government to be on guard against the demand.

It, however, noted that the option of contract appointment is in existence and should be explored where necessary to bridge skills gaps as a result of retirement.

It also resolved that the Standing Committee should undertake a holistic evaluation of requests for enhanced entry points and report back at the 46th NCE Meeting for Osogbo, Osun State in 2024.

It also charged the secretariat to reiterate to all Ministries,Departments and Agencies (MDAs) the stringent criteria for enhanced entry point as approved by the 42nd NCE held in Lagos to stem frivolous requests.

The Council also approved the integration of the National Skills Qualification (NSQ), Levels 1 to 5 in the schemes of service; the professionalisation of the Human Resource practice in the public service; the 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.