The Federal Capital Territory Administration has begun preparing workers nearing retirement for life after public service, with officials urging them to see the transition not as an end to relevance but as an opportunity for a new chapter.
The initiative, jointly organised by the FCT Civil Service Commission, FCT-CSC, and the Office of the Head of Civil Service, FCTA, brought together about 100 officers due to retire between September and December 2026 for a one-day pre-retirement workshop.
The workshop focused on helping the officers navigate the administrative, financial and personal challenges associated with retirement, including pension documentation, financial planning, health management, entrepreneurship and continued community engagement.
The Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, said the programme was part of the Commission’s mandate to ensure that workers leave the service with dignity and adequate preparation for life beyond public office.
He described retirement as the beginning of a new phase rather than an end to life.
“Ever since, the hope of civil servants in the FCT has been renewed, as they can now rise to become Permanent Secretaries and Head of Service.
“As part of our mandate and welfare package directed by the Honourable Minister, we found it necessary to prepare those retiring between September and December for life after public office.
“This one-day interactive session equips them with the skills and information necessary for an easy exit, reminding them that retirement is not a death sentence, but the beginning of a new phase of life,” Ezeh said.
The Acting Head of Civil Service, FCTA, Mrs. Nancy Nathan, said the programme was also designed to address administrative challenges that could make the transition difficult for retiring officers.
She urged the participants to complete their pension and other exit documentation before leaving the service, rather than waiting until after retirement to begin the process.
“This session ensures they handle necessary documentation with their PFAs and the Pension Board while still in active service, eliminating the burden of chasing files after exit.
“For any unresolved complaints, the Office of the Permanent Secretary (Common Services) and the Director of Pension will handle them directly.
“This program will run continuously on a quarterly basis,” Mrs. Nathan explained.
Nathan said the FCTA remained committed to recognising workers who had devoted decades to public service while encouraging retirees to remain active through community development, faith-based activities and mentorship.
Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, earlier highlighted reforms being implemented by the Commission to improve workers’ careers and make the transition from service more orderly.
Among the measures, he said, were the harmonisation of personnel records through a unified database, efforts to resolve promotion backlogs, the introduction of computer-based testing for promotions and the development of standard operating procedures for appointment, discipline, conversion and career advancement.
According to him, the reforms, aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and supported by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had opened career pathways for civil servants to rise to the positions of Permanent Secretary and Head of Service.
For some participants, however, the workshop was about more than administrative preparation, it was about mentally preparing for a life beyond the office.
One of the retiring officers, Mr. Ogogo Chris, who served at the Lower Usuma Dam site under the FCT Water Board from 1991, commended the Commission for preparing workers ahead of their exit.
“I started work in 1991 on Level 3 and today I am retiring as a Chief at the Lower Usuma Dam site. Preparation is all about preparing your mind, which I did many years back.
“My advice to those in service is that dedication to work pays. I have made up my mind, and I am retiring not to go and die, I will overcome. Just as they say, retirement is not the end of life; once you are dedicated to your work, God will reward you,” Ogogo said.
