Start Early To Plan For Retirement, Walson-Jack Counsels Civil Servants

ABUJA – Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation(HCSF), has advised civil servants to start retirement plans and preparations early as well as adopt a proactive approach towards the future for a stable and prosperous post-retirement life.

Walson-Jack, who gave the admonition on Thursday at the Second Executive Prospective Retirees Conference, (EPRC2025) in Abuja, said “planning for retirement is not merely a final step in one’s career, but a “strategic, lifelong process.”

According to her, “It is essential that you start early, make informed decisions, and adopt a proactive approach towards your future.

“Today’s sessions will guide you through various critical aspects, from processing your retirement benefits to understanding why some face challenges after retirement.

“We will explore the golden rules of retirement and discuss strategies for self-mastery both before and after retirement.

“Equipping yourselves with financial literacy and sound planning will help secure a stable and prosperous post-retirement life.”

Walson-Jack noted that in line with her commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for every civil servant, that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, through the Service Welfare Office, has instituted several pre-retirement programmes designed to empower civil servants approaching retirement.

These initiatives, according to her, include Agripreneurship Programme,Business Start-Up and Entrepreneurship Programme and Pre-Retirement Training.

She said, “Agripreneurship Programme is crafted to equip prospective retirees with essential agricultural skills. Whether it’s farming, crop cultivation, animal husbandry, or fishery, this programme aims to enable you to participate effectively in the agricultural sector—a vital area for our nation’s growth.

“Business Start-Up and Entrepreneurship Programme: For those who aspire to venture into profit-oriented businesses post-retirement, this programme offers targeted coaching and mentorship.

“It is an opportunity to harness your experience and channel it into successful entrepreneurial ventures.

“Pre-Retirement Training: This programme focuses on sensitisation and preparedness for the retirement process.

“It provides critical insights and strategies to ensure that you adapt smoothly to the post-retirement period, thereby laying the groundwork for a fulfilling new chapter.”

She, therefore, charged Civil servants approaching retirement to embrace the spirit of lifelong learning, upskill and explore partnerships with private sector organisations, adding that “These endeavours will not only secure your financial future but will also empower you to build further on the foundations you have so diligently laid over the years.”

In an interview with newsmen, lead facilitator of the Retirees Conference, Mr. James Abiona, described retirement as a journey, a marathon, not a sprint.

Abiona, who revealed that over 800 Civil servants were participating in the training, said the pre-retirement training has had tremendous impact on the Civil Servants who embraced it fully.

He, therefore, urged prospective retirees to join the masterclass being facilitated by his consulting firm for more enriching and all embracing training programme.