Abuja:The Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), in collaboration with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd., has urged public servants to start planning early for their retirement. This call was made at a pre-retirement seminar aimed at senior public servants.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the seminar was designed to express gratitude to public servants for their years of service and to provide them with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate life after retirement. Mrs. Ime Okon, Administrator of PSIN, emphasized that many public servants have dedicated 30 to 35 years of their lives to serving the country. She highlighted that retirement should be viewed as a continuation of a productive life rather than an end.
Okon explained that the goal of the seminar is to encourage civil servants by recognizing their contributions and ensuring they feel prepared for their future beyond public service. The program aims to instill confidence in participants, assuring them that life after retirement can still be productive and fulfilling.
She stressed the importance of starting retirement preparations several years before leaving service. PSIN, in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy, is working on a process for public servants to begin planning four to five years prior to retirement. This initiative aims to prevent individuals from leaving the service unprepared.
Mr. Igo Weli, Vice President of Relations and Sustainable Development at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd., stated that the seminar reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the public sector. He acknowledged the support received from government ministries and agencies, emphasizing the program’s role in helping participants plan for their next phase of life.
Mr. Edward Ogenyi, Head of the Entrepreneurship Skills Development Programme at PSIN, remarked that the seminar is crucial because retirement represents a significant life transition. He noted that many public servants are well-versed in their official duties but lack knowledge in retirement planning and entrepreneurship.
The collaboration between PSIN and Renaissance Africa Energy aims to bridge this knowledge gap, equipping public servants with entrepreneurial skills and helping them establish alternative income sources before retirement. This approach seeks to ensure that retirement becomes a smooth transition rather than a period of uncertainty.
Mr. Uwodi Paul, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Finance and a participant in the seminar, described the training as timely and beneficial. He emphasized the importance of preparing for retirement in advance to avoid uncertainty and stress during the transition phase.