The Nigerian Army has suspended all statutory and voluntary retirements of personnel with immediate effect as part of emergency measures to address the growing security challenges in the country.
According to the memo, the directive aims to retain experienced personnel, boost manpower, and strengthen operational capacity as the Armed Forces expand in response to the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is being implemented to the letter.
It explained that under the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers) 2024, officers normally retire based on age ceilings, a maximum of 35 years of service, and other extant regulations.
However, it noted that Chapter 3.10(e) of the document allows for extensions of service in the interest of the military.
The memo further explained that following the President’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency on 26 November and the directive to expand the Armed Forces and other security agencies, it had become necessary to temporarily suspend all retirements in the Nigerian Army.
According to the memo, the suspension applies to officers who have failed promotion examinations three times, were passed over three times at promotion boards, reached age ceilings for their ranks, failed conversion boards three times, or have attained 35 years of service.
Affected officers may apply to continue serving beyond their normal retirement dates. Those unwilling to accept the extension are to proceed with normal retirement procedures,” it stated.
It added that officers granted extensions will not be eligible for career progression, including promotions, career courses, sponsorships, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments.
Commanders were directed to disseminate the directive and manage morale arising from the decision, with a review planned as the security situation improves.
The document cited the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers) 2024 as the legal basis for the temporary suspension of retirements.