House of Reps Take Fresh Action On Nigeria Civil Service
The House of Representatives is taking steps to improve Nigeria’s public service by tackling issues such as false age claims, promotion delays, premature retirements, and emotional support for workers
During a public hearing by the Committee on Public Service Matters, lawmakers gathered expert opinions to shape important legislative reforms.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen shared that one proposal aims to scrap the rule forcing directors to retire after eight years in office, regardless of age or remaining service time.
Critics argue it wastes experience and hurts institutional memory.
Another motion targets career stagnation among federal civil servants.
Many employees remain in the same position for years, despite good performance, which lowers morale and reduces efficiency.
The proposed solution involves a full review of promotion practices to restore fairness and innovation.
The House also plans to criminalize age falsification,a practice that disrupts fair succession planning and gives some workers undeserved extensions in service.
Proposed measures include technology-based record checks and legal enforcement to uphold integrity.
Workers would benefit from a new 30-day widowhood leave, but the Nigerian Labour Congress argues it should be a gender-neutral bereavement leave with full pay.
They note other countries, like South Africa and France, already offer such provisions.
Additionally, lawmakers are reviewing bills to overhaul the administrative structure of the National Assembly.
They propose replacing the 2014 Service Commission Act with a 2025 National Assembly Service Act, restructuring the Pension Board, guaranteeing fair gratuity rules, and setting up a dedicated pension fund
The goal is to ensure retired staff receive dignity and respect.
Labour leaders have praised the legislative focus but urge inclusivity in the leave policy and better emotional support for grieving employees.
