The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, has assured federal workers that they need not fear retirement, as the Federal Government has introduced several pre-retirement programmes to support them after active service.
Walson-Jack gave this assurance at the 2nd Executive Prospective Retirees Conference, organized by her office in collaboration with JFK Abiona Consultancy Ltd. The event catered to over 800 civil servants at grade levels 14 to 17, who are set to retire within the next few years.
It is reported that the government initiative is aimed at fostering the positive mindset of the prospective retirees towards empowering them to embrace new opportunities beyond public service.
She emphasized that preparing for retirement is not just the final step in a civil servant’s career but a strategic, lifelong process that should begin as early as possible while still in active service.
“Today, we stand together under a significant pillar of the FCSSIP 25 reforms—Pillar Six: ‘Enhanced Value Proposition for Civil Servants,’ which focuses on staff welfare.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring that civil servants are not only supported during their service but are also well-prepared for a seamless transition into retirement. This conference is a testament to that commitment.
“I want to reassure you that the government remains unwavering in its dedication to your welfare. Your years of dedicated service have been vital to our nation’s progress, and now it is time to embrace retirement as a new chapter filled with endless possibilities.”
The HOS reiterated that planning for retirement requires informed decision-making and a proactive approach to the future.
“Today’s sessions will guide you through critical aspects, from processing retirement benefits to understanding challenges some retirees face and how to avoid them.”
She outlined various pre-retirement training programmes initiated by the Federal Government, including:
“These programmes focus on sensitization and readiness for the retirement process. They provide essential insights and strategies to ensure a smooth transition into post-retirement life, laying the foundation for a fulfilling new chapter.
“Retirement is not an end but a new beginning, a phase ripe with opportunities. I encourage you to view it as a time to reinvent yourselves.”
Speaking to journalists, Mr. James Abiona, CEO of JFK Consultancy Ltd., commended the HCSF office for the impressive turnout, which was significantly higher than the first edition of the programme in 2018.
Abiona expressed optimism that with the right guidance, retirees would no longer face difficulties after their years of service.
“The number of participants is not a challenge. They will gain valuable insights from the facilitators and understand that retirement is a journey. There’s a significant difference between being in service and transitioning out of it, and we are here to prepare them for that.”
