By Prevail Inegbenose
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disclosed that more than 100 of its workers are scheduled to retire in 2026, as part of efforts to ensure a smooth transition from active public service to post-retirement life.
The Acting Head of the FCT Civil Service, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, disclosed this during a one-day interactive pre-retirement workshop organised for staff scheduled to retire between September and December 2026.
Nathan said about 100 staff participated in the inaugural batch of the training, which would now be conducted quarterly to adequately prepare retiring officers for life after public service.
She explained that the programme was designed to enable retiring workers complete necessary administrative documentation with their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and the FCT Pension Board before leaving service.
According to her, the initiative would help eliminate the difficulties often associated with pursuing pension documentation after retirement.
She added that unresolved complaints by retiring officers would be addressed directly by the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Common Services, and the Director of Pension.
The Acting Head of Service said the FCTA remained committed to ensuring that officers who had dedicated up to 35 years to public service were given a dignified exit and adequate support as they transitioned into retirement.
She encouraged retirees to remain active after leaving public service by engaging in community development, faith-based activities and mentorship programmes for younger officers.
Earlier, the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, said the pre-retirement workshop was part of the administration’s efforts to prepare workers for life after public service.
Ezeh described retirement as the beginning of a new phase of life rather than an end, urging retiring officers to approach the transition positively and make adequate plans for their post-service years.
One of the retiring officers, Mr. Ogogo Chris, who served with the FCT Water Board at the Lower Usuma Dam site from 1991, commended the initiative and advised serving workers to remain dedicated to their responsibilities.
Ogogo, who said he had prepared himself mentally for retirement several years ago, expressed confidence that retirees could overcome the challenges associated with life after public service.
