The Federal Government has introduced stricter measures for junior civil servants, stating that workers who fail compulsory confirmation or promotion examinations three times consecutively may lose their jobs.

The directive 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 circular, the confirmation and promotion examination is not only necessary for career progression but also a key condition for remaining in the federal 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 directive stated.

The government also introduced a timeline for participation in the examination, warning that officers who fail to sit for the test within three years of their first appointment would also be required to leave the service.

“An officer who fails to take the confirmation examination after three years of his or her first appointment shall be required to resign from service,” the circular added.

The Federal Government explained that the policy is in line with existing Public Service Rules and directed all ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure full compliance.

“The Permanent Secretary or Head of Extra-Ministerial Office shall ensure strict compliance and enforcement,” the statement noted.

The 2026 Confirmation/Promotion Examination, popularly known as COMPRO, will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test and is targeted at newly recruited officers on Salary Grade Levels 01 to 06.

Authorities described the examination as an important tool for maintaining competence and professionalism within the federal civil service.

Dr Ukaira explained that the exercise remains a statutory requirement for the advancement of junior officers in public service.

Registration for the examination has already begun through the official online portal, with eligible officers expected to complete their applications and submit the required documents through their respective MDAs.

To qualify, candidates must have spent at least six months in service and must also receive formal nomination from their ministries, departments, or agencies. Applicants are required to provide valid contact details and complete all registration procedures before the deadline.

The circular warned that any candidate who fails to complete the accreditation process would not be allowed to participate in the examination.

“Candidates who failed to be accredited on the stipulated date would not be allowed to sit for the examination,” Dr Ukaira stated.

The examination will cover major areas of public administration, including English Language, Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations, Computer Literacy, and General Paper.

COMPRO has long been part of Nigeria’s federal civil service structure and is backed by provisions 030104 and 030105 of the Public Service Rules. However, enforcement of the policy has been inconsistent over the years.

The latest move by the Federal Government is seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability, improve efficiency, and enforce discipline within the civil service system.

Observers believe the stricter enforcement could raise performance standards across the service, although it may also increase pressure on workers already dealing with demanding job conditions.