The Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) has directed the immediate disengagement (compulsory retirement) of all directors who have spent eight years or more in the directorate cadre. This applies to directors in the ministry itself, federal hospitals, agencies, and other health institutions under the FMOH.

The directive, contained in an internal memo sighted in Abuja on Tuesday (February 17, 2026), follows a broader Federal Government order to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to strictly implement the eight-year tenure policy for directors and permanent secretaries. This is in line with the Revised Public Service Rules 2021 (Section PSR 020909).

Signed by Tetshoma Dafeta (Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary), the memo states:

“Further to the Eight (8)-Year Tenure Policy of the Federal Public Service, which mandates the compulsory retirement of Directors after eight years in that rank… I am directed to remind you to take necessary action to ensure that all affected officers who have spent eight years as Directors, effective 31st December, 2025, are disengaged from Service immediately.”

Additional measures reportedly include stopping salaries via IPPIS, mandating proper handover, and requiring refund of any excess payments received post-retirement date. Non-compliance may attract sanctions.

This move is part of ongoing efforts to refresh leadership in the federal civil service and curb prolonged stays in senior positions. Affected directors are on Grade Level 17 or equivalent.

Stay tuned for more updates on how this impacts Nigeria’s health sector operations.