In a bid to cut the cost of governance, President Bola Tinubu has ordered a ban on all foreign trips by ministers and other government officials.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, Tinubu issued the directive in a letter by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
In the letter, Tinubu directed an embargo on all foreign trips. However, according to the letter, exemption could be given to “trips deemed absolutely necessary”.
A minister, who preferred not to be named because he has no permission to speak on the matter, stated that he received a copy of the letter from the presidency.
In the letter, President Tinubu expressed concerns over the rising cost of foreign trips embarked upon by government officials amid Nigeria’s dire economic situation.
According to the letter, the ban will last 90 days in the first instance and will come into effect on 1 April, 2024.
The letter reads: “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 Cabinei Members and heads of MDAs to focus on their respective mandates for effective service delivery.”
The letter stated further that “Considering the current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management, I am writing to communicate Mr Presideni’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 Is April 2024.
“This temporary measure is aimed at cost reduction in governance and intended as a cost-saving measure without compromising government functions.”
Tinubu said exemptions would need presidential approvals which must be sought two weeks ahead of the planned trip.
“All government officials who intend to go on any public funded international trips must seek and obtain Presidential approval at least two (2) weeks prior to embarking on any such trip, which must be deemed absolutely necessary.”
