Health Ministry Orders Immediate Exit of Long-Serving Directors
The Federal Ministry of Health has directed the immediate disengagement of directors who have completed eight years in office, in line with the revised Public Service Rules, marking a significant administrative shake-up within the ministry.
In an internal directive, the ministry stated that the decision affects all directors whose tenure has reached or exceeded the eight-year limit, emphasising that the move is part of ongoing efforts to ensure strict compliance with civil service regulations. Officials said the policy is designed to promote career progression, institutional efficiency, and adherence to established service guidelines.
According to ministry sources, the directive was issued to reinforce the tenure policy applicable to senior civil servants, which seeks to prevent prolonged occupancy of strategic positions. The affected officers are expected to hand over responsibilities with immediate effect.
The ministry explained that the enforcement of the rule is not punitive but a routine application of governance standards intended to encourage leadership renewal and create opportunities for other qualified officers within the system. It also noted that the measure aligns with broader public sector reforms being implemented across government institutions.
Observers say the development could trigger a wave of redeployments and promotions as vacancies emerge within the ministry’s leadership structure. Administrative experts argue that tenure limits are commonly used in the public service to enhance accountability and prevent stagnation.
While the ministry did not disclose the number of officials impacted, insiders suggest the directive may affect several departments. The policy shift is expected to reshape senior management dynamics and influence operational continuity in the coming weeks.
The revised Public Service Rules, which guide appointments and tenure in the federal civil service, have increasingly been enforced by ministries and agencies as part of efforts to strengthen governance, transparency, and institutional effectiveness.
