Junior civil servants in the federal public service risk losing their jobs if they fail their compulsory promotion examination three consecutive times, the Federal Government has warned in a new directive aimed at strengthening discipline and improving performance across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
The warning was contained in a circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Dr Binyerem C. Ukaira, on behalf of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
According to the directive, the compulsory confirmation and promotion examination is not only a requirement for career progression but also a condition for continued employment in the civil service.
“An officer who fails the examination after three consecutive attempts shall, by virtue of such failures, be required to resign or withdraw from the service,” the circular stated.
The government also introduced a strict compliance timeline, warning that failure to sit for the examination within a specified period after entry into service could also lead to compulsory exit.
“An officer who fails to take the confirmation examination after three years of his/her first appointment shall be required to resign from service,” it added.
The policy, the circular explained, is backed by existing Public Service Rules and must be enforced uniformly across all MDAs. It directed permanent secretaries and heads of extra-ministerial departments to ensure strict compliance.
“The Permanent Secretary/Head of Extra-Ministerial Office shall ensure strict compliance and enforcement,” the document stated.
The 2026 Confirmation and Promotion Examination (COMPRO), which will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test, is targeted at newly recruited officers on Salary Grade Levels 01 to 06.
Dr Ukaira said the examination remains a statutory requirement for career progression in the federal civil service.
“The examination is a statutory requirement for the career progression of all junior officers in the public service,” he said.
He confirmed that registration for the exercise has already commenced through an official online portal, with eligible officers expected to complete the process via their MDAs.
“The examination portal is now open for candidates’ registration,” he stated.
To qualify, officers must have served for at least six months and be formally nominated by their respective MDAs. They are also required to provide valid contact details and complete all registration steps within the stipulated timeline.
The circular further warned that failure to complete accreditation on the scheduled date would result in automatic disqualification from sitting the examination.
“Candidates who fail to be accredited on the stipulated date would not be allowed to sit for the examination,” it warned.
The COMPRO examination will test candidates in areas including English Language, Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations, General Paper, and Computer Literacy.
The examination, long embedded in Nigeria’s civil service framework under Public Service Rules 030104 and 030105, is designed to assess competence and readiness for confirmation and promotion.
While the policy has existed for years, enforcement has often been inconsistent. However, the latest directive signals a renewed push by the government to enforce compliance, improve accountability, and raise efficiency within the system.
Analysts note that while the move could enhance professionalism in the public service, it may also heighten pressure on junior officers already working under demanding conditions