Petition To Tinubu, Akpabio, Others Raises Alarm Over Civil Service Tenure Extensions, Citing Erosion Of Renewed Hope Agenda

Abuja, Nigeria – A growing wave of concern is sweeping through the Nigerian Civil Service over the increasing practice of granting tenure extensions to civil servants beyond their mandatory retirement age.

A strongly-worded petition, addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and key government officials, has been submitted by the group, Concerned Patriots For the Integrity and Renewal of the Public Service, demanding an immediate end to the practice, which they argue undermines the principles of fairness, meritocracy, and the very foundation of the government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The petition, dated May 21, 2025, and signed by Mr. Ademola Adegoke, leader of the group, was also delivered to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chief Justice of the Federation Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the heads of the nation’s leading anti-corruption agencies, the ICPC and EFCC.

The core argument presented in the petition hinges on the explicit provisions of Nigeria’s Public Service Rule 020810, which unequivocally states that “the compulsory retirement age for all grades in the service shall be 60 years or 35 years of pensionable service, whichever is earlier, and no officer shall be allowed to remain in service after attaining the retirement age of 60 years or 35 years of service.”

The group contends that the burgeoning trend of granting extensions, often justified under the guise of ensuring continuity, represents a dangerous deviation from established protocol.

They argue that this practice actively sabotages succession planning, stifles institutional rejuvenation, and ultimately deprives deserving officers of opportunities for advancement and leadership roles within the service.

“This pattern contravenes the Public Service Rules (PSR) and retirement protocols; erodes morale and institutional equity; risks fostering favoritism and undermining accountability,” the petition states, highlighting the multifaceted negative consequences of tenure extensions.

The Concerned Patriots group further warns that the unchecked proliferation of such extensions poses a significant threat to the broader goals of the Tinubu administration.

“If not checked, it may quietly institutionalize injustice and weaken the very reforms the Renewed Hope Agenda seeks to achieve,” the petition emphasizes.

Speaking to reporters after submitting the petition, Mr. Adegoke elaborated on the group’s concerns. “We are not against experience, but experience should be channeled through mentorship and proper handover.

Extending tenure deprives younger, qualified civil servants of the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute their innovative ideas to the service. It creates stagnation and resentment within the ranks.”

The petition outlines several specific concerns associated with tenure extensions:

Erosion of Morale: The perceived unfairness of granting extensions to select individuals creates a sense of demoralization among other civil servants who diligently follow the rules and aspire to rise through the ranks.

Suppression of Opportunity: Extending the tenure of senior officers blocks the advancement of qualified individuals further down the hierarchy, denying them opportunities for promotion, increased responsibilities, and professional growth.

Compromised Accountability: The practice of extending tenure can create a sense of obligation and dependence on those granting the extensions, potentially leading to compromised accountability and a reluctance to challenge questionable decisions.

Hindered Innovation: The lack of fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, which younger officers often bring to the table, can stifle progress and hinder the modernization of the Civil Service.

Breach of Public Trust: When rules are selectively applied, it undermines public trust in the integrity and fairness of the government.

The group is calling on President Tinubu to take decisive action to address the issue, urging a comprehensive review of all recent tenure extensions to ensure compliance with existing regulations.

They are also advocating for the implementation of stricter monitoring mechanisms to prevent future abuses.

“It is imperative that this administration and all relevant authorities discourage, reject, and investigate such anomalies wherever they exist. Strict adherence to civil service regulations must be enforced, and mechanisms to detect and prevent tenure abuses strengthened,” the petition demands.

The Concerned Patriots conclude their petition by asserting that the future of Nigeria depends on a system that rewards fairness, discipline, and forward planning, rather than selective privileges.

They have expressed hope that President Tinubu and other relevant authorities will take swift and decisive action to address their concerns and uphold the integrity of the Nigerian Civil Service.

The petition has already generated significant buzz within government circles and the public sphere, with many expressing support for the group’s efforts to promote fairness and accountability in the Civil Service.

The pressure is now on President Tinubu and other key officials to respond decisively and demonstrate their commitment to the principles of meritocracy and transparency, crucial pillars of the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The coming weeks are likely to be decisive in determining whether the concerns raised by the Concerned Patriots will translate into concrete action and a tangible shift in the administration’s approach to managing the Civil Service.