The Permanent Secretary at the State House, Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, announced that retiring State House staff are among the first federal civil servants to benefit from the new gratuity scheme approved by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Fashedemi spoke on Thursday in Abuja at a send-off ceremony organized by the State House for two retiring directors and two deputy directors.
This was contained in a statement by Mr. Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information and Public Relations, State House.
He praised President Tinubu for reintroducing gratuity payments for retiring civil servants, in addition to pensions and other benefits.
In March, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a scheme under which officers serving at least 10 years will receive a gratuity equal to one year’s basic salary upon retirement, starting January 1, 2026.
This scheme complements the Contributory Pension Scheme introduced in 2004 and follows recommendations by a technical committee set up by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Fashedemi explained that the policy aims to ensure that public servants who serve for decades are adequately recognized and supported at retirement.
“Mr. President approved gratuity for retiring civil servants, and some of you are among the first beneficiaries,” he told the retirees.
He emphasized that retiring after 35 years of service or at age 60 is a milestone worth celebrating.
“We believe those who dedicate years of service deserve recognition and celebration,” he said.
Fashedemi assured that the Federal Government remains committed to staff welfare through the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25).
He added that the State House has programs to recognize outstanding officers during active service and at retirement.
He also commended the retirees for their professionalism, integrity, and dedication.
“It’s no small achievement to serve well and retire peacefully,” he said.
At the event, the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, praised the retirees for their dedication.
Former Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nnamdi Mbaeri, highlighted the importance of hard work and dedication.
Earlier, the Director of Administration, Abdulkadir Idris, described the occasion as a celebration of officers who served Nigeria meritoriously and wished them success in retirement.
The retirees honored included Mr. Francis Wasa (ICT Director), Mrs. Adenike Akintola (Internal Audit Director), and Mr. Esiyede Godwin (Deputy Director, Library and Archives).
Another retired Deputy Director, Bukar Usman Goni, was recognized but absent.
On behalf of the retirees, Wasa thanked the State House management for the honor and prayed for the success and good health of serving officers.
