By Abdulhameed Musa Abdullahi
As a young Nigerian who follows public affairs closely, I see the recent reminder on the eight-year tenure rule for directors and the fixed tenure for permanent secretaries as something young people should pay attention to.
Many youths don’t really bother about civil service policies. We usually think those things are for people inside government offices. But the truth is, the civil service affects our everyday lives—jobs, recruitment, promotions, policies, and how the country is run.
This tenure rule is not a new law. It has been part of the Public Service Rules for some time. What the government is doing now is simply reminding ministries and agencies to follow what is already written in the rules.
To me, this is about fairness and order in the system. When people stay too long in one position, it blocks others from moving forward. But when tenure rules are respected, it creates room for new officers, new ideas, and better career progression.
This matters a lot to young Nigerians, especially those hoping to join the civil service or build careers in government institutions. A system that follows its own rules gives people confidence that there is structure and opportunity.
Reforms are not always about big announcements or political speeches. Sometimes, real reform is simply enforcing the rules and making institutions work the way they are supposed to.
Of course, every policy will have people who support it and others who question it. That is normal. But instead of reacting based on rumours or personal interest, we should look at the bigger picture. A disciplined and structured civil service is important for national development.
As young people, we should start paying attention to policies like this. We should ask questions, understand what is happening, and take part in meaningful conversations about governance. One day, many of us will be part of the system, and the kind of institutions we inherit will depend on what is being built today.
Reforms may not always be popular, but they are necessary. If Nigeria must move forward, our institutions must be guided by rules, not by convenience. That is the kind of system the youth should support.