We’re Committed to Safeguarding Retirees’ Quality of Life – FG

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the quality of life for public servants does not deteriorate after retirement. Speaking at the 2024 pre-retirement training organized for retired and prospective retirees of federal parastatals in Kano, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Ibrahim Dasuki, outlined the administration’s efforts to support retirees.

Dasuki emphasized that the Bola Tinubu-led government, under its “Renewed Hope” agenda, is focused on improving the standard of living for retirees. He expressed concern that many retirees often face financial difficulties and a decline in their quality of life due to insufficient post-retirement engagement. This concern has driven the government’s decision to provide pre-retirement training aimed at preparing public servants for life after service.

“The pre-retirement training programme for federal parastatal officers is a key initiative of the BPSR,” Dasuki explained. “Its objective is to equip retiring officers with the tools and knowledge they need to transition smoothly into retirement, ensuring that their quality of life does not decline. Research shows that retirement can be a difficult phase, and the government’s goal is to reduce the negative impact of this transition on public servants.”

He further noted that many retirees struggle because they do not adequately prepare for life after service. “Retirement marks a significant phase in a person’s life, and it requires proper planning. Unfortunately, some people experience hardships in their retirement due to a lack of preparation. The government’s initiative aims to provide basic knowledge on how to navigate post-retirement life and make the best use of their retirement benefits.”

Dasuki also highlighted the success of previous editions of the training, which has now become an annual event. “The first edition of this training yielded great results, which is why it has been institutionalized. Every year, the BPSR organizes this programme for retirees of federal parastatals to ensure they are better prepared for retirement.”

He added that participants will receive training materials, including a handbook and workbook designed to serve as long-term resources. “We expect that by the end of this programme, participants will have gained valuable insights that will help them navigate retirement successfully. These materials are designed to be used not only during the training but also as reference tools in the future.”

Dasuki revealed that 110 federal agencies are currently participating in the training programme, though this represents less than 10% of the prospective retirees. He expressed optimism that future editions would expand to include more participants.

In conclusion, Dasuki urged the participants to apply the lessons learned in the training to overcome any challenges they might face in retirement. He also called on them to continue contributing to national development in their post-retirement years.