By Joy Onu
The Director of Human Resources Management at the Federal Ministry of Works, Alhaji Abdullahi Aliyu, has retired from the Nigerian Civil Service after 35 years of service, marking the end of a career that spanned personnel administration, institutional reforms, and workforce development.
Aliyu was honoured on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at a retirement ceremony held at the Ministry, attended by top government officials, colleagues, friends, and family members, who gathered to celebrate his long years of public service.
According to Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Works, the ceremony was organised to recognise Aliyu’s contributions to the Ministry and to the Civil Service, in line with the tradition of honouring officers who have served the country with dedication and professionalism.
Aliyu joined the Civil Service in 1990 as a Personnel Officer and steadily rose through the ranks to become a Director, a journey he described as both challenging and rewarding. He said the Service provided him with opportunities he never envisaged at the start of his career.
In his remarks, the retiring Director expressed gratitude to God for life and the privilege of serving Nigeria, noting that public service had shaped his personal and professional growth over the decades.
He highlighted some of the benefits of government service, including access to housing under public sector reforms, which he described as one of the enduring rewards of commitment to national duty.
Aliyu also reflected on the relationships he built over the years, stressing that the friendships and professional networks formed in service were more valuable than material gains.
He praised staff of the Ministry, particularly those he worked with after his posting to the then Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in 2022, describing them as disciplined and committed officers.
The retiring Director urged civil servants to uphold professionalism, discipline, and respect for authority, warning that the erosion of core values could weaken the integrity of the Service.
He expressed special appreciation to his wife for her steadfast support throughout his career and thanked staff members for their cooperation during his tenure.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, commended Aliyu for his exemplary service, describing him as a seasoned administrator whose contributions strengthened human resource management within the Ministry.
Colleagues who spoke at the event praised Aliyu’s humility, leadership style, and dedication to duty, wishing him good health and success in retirement.
