Labour unions reject tenure extension for FCT Perm Sec, warn against civil service rule violation

Labour unions have rejected any attempt to extend the tenure of the Permanent Secretary representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Ministry of Defence, warning that such a move would undermine public service rules and erode transparency in the civil service.

The controversy follows growing concerns over alleged efforts — reportedly involving the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) — to override the 2021 Public Service Rules, which limit permanent secretaries to a four-year term, renewable once.

Trade union leaders described the move as an attempt to bypass due process and compromise meritocracy by blocking opportunities for eligible directors.

At the centre of the dispute is an alleged plan to grant an unlawful extension to a serving permanent secretary who has reportedly completed the maximum eight years permitted by law.

‘No More Extension After Eight Years’ — ASCSN

Comrade Mohammed Shehu, national president of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), said tenure extensions for permanent secretaries are unacceptable and violate established norms.

“The extension of the tenure of any Permanent Secretary is not acceptable to us. The appointment is based on a single tenure subject to renewal,” he said.

“Any Permanent Secretary who has spent the stipulated two terms should have no opportunity to remain in office. Recall, we have done with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum, where the woman remained in office after spending two terms of 8 years. We rejected that.

“So, it is applicable to all Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service. The appointment is a single-term subject to renewal for 8 years. Our position is that there should be no more extensions as far as it affects the position of any Permanent Secretary.

“So, any Permanent Secretary who has stayed in the office for 8 years should retire and allow other Directors to be considered for elevation to the office of Permanent Secretary. That is our position.”

SSANU, NASU Also Kick

Comrade Mohammad Ibrahim, national president of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), warned that allowing such extensions would demoralise civil servants and damage institutional trust.

“We oppose any unwarranted extension of tenure for public officers. Such actions block opportunities for others who are due for promotion and can demotivate the entire workforce. Public Service Rules should be strictly adhered to. We should be careful of setting precedents that will harm our public service,” he said.

“Leadership positions should be rotated to give others a chance to serve. Extending tenure without compelling justification sends the wrong message, encourages corruption, and stifles the career progression of others in the civil service.”

Similarly, Comrade Makolo Hassan, president of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions (NASU), said the civil service should not be made to bend rules for anyone.

“The right thing should be done. Is the extension for another full four years or one or two years? It is best for the civil service rules is upheld in this case. It is not in the interest of Nigeria and public service that anyone’s tenure of office should be extended… it is a precedent that may later hunt the entire system.”

OHCSF Denies Tenure Extension Plot

Amid the controversy, the OHCSF issued a statement denying any plan to extend the tenure of the FCT Permanent Secretary or any other official.

The statement dated June 18, 2025, and signed by Eno Olotu, director of information and public relations, read:

“The OHCSF categorically denies any plan to request the extension of the tenure of either Mr. Aduda or any other Permanent Secretary.”

It reaffirmed that any decisions concerning the retirement or tenure of Permanent Secretaries must comply with the law and follow due process.

“Any decision concerning the retirement or tenure of a Permanent Secretary is made strictly following the rules and subject to the approval of the appropriate authority.

“The Public Service Rules, 2021, Rule 020909 (b), stipulates that a Permanent Secretary shall hold office for four years and be renewable for a further term of four years, subject to satisfactory performance, and no more. These rules are indeed the law.”

The Head of the Civil Service, Didi Esther Walson‑Jack, also reiterated her commitment to transparency, due process, and merit-based leadership.

She urged the public to disregard “misinformation that could undermine the credibility of the civil service.”