The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a mandatory pre-retirement training program aimed at preparing retiring staff for life after public service. The program is designed to equip staff members with the skills and information necessary for an easy exit from the public service. According to the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, the initiative is part of the welfare package directed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The pre-retirement training program is a quarterly initiative that will run continuously, with the inaugural batch taking place on Tuesday. About 100 staff members scheduled for retirement between September and December 2024 are participating in the program. The workshop is designed to enable retiring officers to complete their administrative documentation with their respective Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and the FCT Pension Board before leaving active service.
The FCT Civil Service Commission Chairman, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, stated that the initiative follows the establishment of the Office of the Head of Service and the FCT Civil Service Commission, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2024. Ezeh described retirement as the beginning of a fresh chapter rather than a death sentence, adding that the leadership of the FCT Minister had restored the hope of civil servants in the Territory.
The Acting Head of Civil Service, FCTA, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, explained that the workshop ensures retiring officers handle necessary documentation with their PFAs and the Pension Board while still in active service. This, she said, eliminates the burden of chasing files after exit. Nathan added that the program will run continuously on a quarterly basis, with the Office of the Permanent Secretary (Common Services) and the Director of Pension handling any unresolved complaints.
One of the retiring participants, Mr. Ogogo Chris, commended the Commission for the initiative. Chris, who retired as a chief from the FCT Water Board after serving at the Lower Usuma Dam site since 1991, advised those in service that dedication to work pays. He shared his experience, stating that preparation is all about preparing one's mind, which he did many years back.
The FCTA remains committed to celebrating personnel who have dedicated up to 35 years to public service. The administration encourages them to contribute to community development, faith-based activities, and mentorship programs for younger officers. The pre-retirement training program is part of the FCTA's efforts to support its retiring staff and ensure a smooth transition.
The initiative has been well-received by retiring staff, who see it as a welcome development. The program is expected to continue quarterly, providing essential support to retiring officers. Key aspects of the program include preparing staff for life after public service, enabling them to complete administrative documentation, and providing a platform for mentorship and community development.
Key points
- The FCTA has introduced a mandatory pre-retirement training program to prepare retiring staff for life after public service.
- The program aims to equip staff members with the skills and information necessary for an easy exit from the public service.
- The initiative is part of the welfare package directed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
