President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed a ban on all public-fund sponsored foreign travels by ministers and other government officials,
This was revealed in a directive via a letter by his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, and addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
In the letter, dated 12 March 2024, President Tinubu ordered an official ban on all foreign trips. However, according to the letter, “trips deemed absolutely necessary” might be exempted.
In the letter, the President bemoaned the rising cost of foreign trips embarked upon by government officials amid Nigeria’s current economic situation.
“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 reads.
“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.”
“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.”
