President Bola Tinubu has placed a temporary ban on ministers, heads of agencies, and other government officials from embarking on public-funded foreign trips.
The ban is for an initial three months with effect from April 1, 2024.
The directive was given in a letter by Femi Gbajabiamila, the president’s Chief of Staff, to George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The letter directs any government official, intending to go for any unavoidable public-funded international trip to seek and get presidential approval at least two weeks prior to embarking on the trip, due to the economic situation of the country.
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“Mr. President has concerns about the rising cost of travel expenses borne by Ministries, Department and Agencies of Government as well as the growing need for Cabinet Members and heads of MDAS to focus on their respective mandates for effective service delivery,” the letter read.
“Considering the current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management, I am writing to communicate Mr. President’s directive to place a temporary ban on all public funded international trips for all Federal Government officials at all levels, for an initial period of three (3) months from 1st April 2024.
“This temporary measure is aimed at cost reduction in governance and intended as a cost saving measure without compromising government functions.
“All government officials who intend to go on any public funded international trip, must seek and obtain presidential approval at least two (2) weeks prior to embarking on any such trip, which must be unavoidable.
“Considering the above, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is kindly requested to circulate this directive to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.”