Civil service crisis: Group warns Tinubu against illegal tenure extensions

DDM News

A civic group has raised alarm over increasing tenure extensions in Nigeria’s civil service.

The group, Concerned Patriots for the Integrity and Renewal of the Public Service, submitted a petition to President Bola Tinubu, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathers.

They warned that extending tenures beyond legal limits undermines fairness and weakens President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to them, the practice contradicts the spirit of reform and accountability promised by the administration.

The petition was submitted to the presidency on May 21, 2025.

It cites Section 020810 of the Public Service Rules.

This section mandates retirement at 60 years or after 35 years of pensionable service.

The group stressed that these rules must be respected to preserve institutional integrity.

“This practice, if unchecked, could lead to stagnation,” the petition stated.

It warned that young professionals are being demoralized and denied opportunities for growth.

Tenure extensions, they argued, disrupt succession plans and reward personal connections over merit.

Such actions risk institutional injustice and a loss of public trust.

Their findings support claims that tenure extensions are often politically motivated.

The group said these reports expose a troubling pattern in public service appointments.

The Concerned Patriots urged Tinubu to enforce the retirement regulations without bias.

They argued that firm leadership is necessary to protect the rule of law.

The administration, they said, must model fairness and meritocracy.

This would restore confidence in the civil service system.

“Adherence to rules is the foundation of a just civil service,” they noted.

They emphasized that the president’s reform agenda depends on lawful and transparent governance.

Tenure extensions without merit could derail meaningful reforms.

They called for equal treatment and promotion opportunities for all workers.

Legal analysts and public commentators have supported the group’s concerns.

They argue that unchecked extensions compromise the civil service’s long-term viability.

This has become a national issue demanding urgent executive attention.

The public is now watching closely for the president’s response.

The petition ended with a strong appeal for immediate action.

“This is a chance for President Tinubu to lead by example,” it stated.

“Fairness and accountability must not be negotiable in our public institutions,” they concluded.

As the debate grows, the presidency faces mounting pressure to act decisively.

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