The Imo State Government has announced the immediate suspension of approval for extension of service for all categories of civil servants, particularly directors and permanent secretaries.
This, the government says, is aimed at addressing labour concerns and ensuring career progression in the civil service.
According to a statement released by the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmas Iwu, all civil servants due for retirement are expected to follow existing laws and exit the service on the date of retirement.
The government warned that any civil servant who refuses to leave service when due for retirement would be required to refund monies paid to them within the period of overstay.
Recall that in November 2023, Governor Hope Uzodinma signed a bill into law extending the retirement age for teachers in Imo State to 65 years or 40 years of service.
This move marked a change from the previous retirement age of 35 years of service or 60 years of age.
According to Governor Uzodinma, the law was aimed at providing teachers in public schools with a sense of work security, leading to increased effectiveness and efficiency in their duties.
He said the new law was a follow-up to a similar bill extending teachers’ retirement age to 65 years or 40 years of pensionable service in Nigeria which was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in April 2022.
“This decision aligns with my steadfast commitment to preserving the wealth of experience and knowledge within our educational system,” Mr Uzodinma said.
Uzodimma was first declared governor by the Supreme Court in January 2020. He secured re-election in this election, sweeping all 27 local government areas in the state.
