By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has urged workers approaching retirement to see life after public service as a new phase of productivity rather than an end to their contribution to society.
Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, gave the advice at a pre-retirement workshop for about 100 civil servants due to retire between September and December 2026.
Ezeh said the programme is designed to help the workers prepare mentally and practically for life after active service.
He said retirement should not be viewed as an end to productivity, but as an opportunity for retirees to explore new interests and continue contributing to their communities.
The one-day workshop, organised by the FCT Civil Service Commission and the Office of the Head of Civil Service, focused on pension documentation, financial planning, health management, entrepreneurship and community engagement.
Acting Head of Civil Service, FCTA, Nancy Nathan, urged the participants to complete their pension and other exit documentation before leaving active service.
“This session ensures they handle necessary documentation with their PFAs and the Pension Board while still in active service, eliminating the burden of chasing files after exit,” Nathan said.
She said unresolved complaints would be addressed by the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Common Services, and the Director of Pension.
Nathan also announced that the pre-retirement programme would be held quarterly to ensure workers receive adequate preparation before leaving the service.
She said the FCTA would encourage retirees to remain active through community development, faith-based activities and mentorship.
One of the retiring officers, Ogogo Chris, who joined the FCT Water Board in 1991 and served at the Lower Usuma Dam site, said mental preparation was as important as completing administrative requirements.
“I started work in 1991 on Level 3 and today I am retiring as a Chief at the Lower Usuma Dam site. Preparation is all about preparing your mind, which I did many years back,” he said.
Ogogo urged serving civil servants to remain committed to their duties, saying dedication to work would ultimately produce positive results.
