Junior Federal Civil Servants Risk Losing Their Jobs as New Policy Emerges
- The Federal Government of Nigeria mandated compulsory promotion exams for all junior civil servants
- The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation said that failure to pass exams three times leads to potential job loss
- According to the statement, the examination aims to enhance discipline and performance in the public service
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues.
FCT, Abuja - The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government said junior civil servants are at risk of losing their jobs if they fail their compulsory promotion examination three consecutive times.
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation said this is due to a new directive aimed at enforcing discipline and improving performance in the public service.
Source: Twitter
As reported by The Punch, the Permanent Secretary of the Career Management Office, Dr Binyerem C. Ukaira, announced this in a statement issued on behalf of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Ukaira explained that the compulsory confirmation/promotion examination is not only a requirement for career advancement, but according to the directive, it is also a decisive condition for continued employment.
The latest directive signals a renewed effort by the government to ensure compliance, strengthen accountability, and improve efficiency within the system.
It was gathered that the policy was backed by the existing Public Service Rules.
The government said the policy must be enforced across all ministries, departments, and agencies.
“The Permanent Secretary/Head of Extra-Ministerial Office shall ensure strict compliance and enforcement,” the statement reads in part.
Ukaira said the 2026 COMPRO examination is targeted at newly recruited officers on Salary Grade Levels 01 to 06.
The examination will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test, and it is central to maintaining standards within the federal civil service.
“The examination… is a statutory requirement for the career progression of all junior officers in the Public Service.”
According to the statement, the examination will test candidates in key areas of public administration, including English Language, Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations, General Paper, and Computer Literacy, among others.
The policy effectively makes performance in the promotion examination a condition for job security, especially for junior officers.
Source: UGC
Breakdown of Civil Service salary structure
Recall that Nigeria’s civil service salary structure was updated following the new minimum wage signed by President Bola Tinubu
The Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) outlines pay across 17 grade levels, reflecting qualifications and experience.
Legit.ng reported the breakdown of revised salaries for key grade levels, showing how civil servants will benefit.
Federal government increases civil servants' allowances
Meanwhile, Legit.ng also reported that the Federal Government of Nigeria approved sweeping reforms to boost civil servants’ allowances and welfare benefits.
The changes, announced by Head of Service Didi Walson-Jack, will impact workers across all salary structures.
With improved pay, new retirement packages, and enhanced compensation schemes, the reforms aim to strengthen morale and productivity in the public service.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
