President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has temporarily banned ministers, heads of agencies, and other government officials from embarking on public funded foreign trips in order to cut cost of governance.
Tinubu gave the directive via a letter dated March 12, 2024, by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
The ban is to last for three months from April 1st, 2024.
Tinubu, in the letter, directed an embargo on all foreign trips, but noted that exemption could be given to trips deemed absolutely necessary.
He explained that government officials who intend to go for any public funded international trip must seek and get presidential approval at least two weeks prior to embarking on any such trip, which must be deemed absolutely necessary.
โMr. 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.
โConsidering the current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management, I am writing to communicate Mr. Presidentโs 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.
โThis temporary measure is aimed at cost reduction in governance and intended as a cost saving measure without compromising government functions.
โAll 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 deemed absolutely necessary.
โConsidering 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,” the letter read.
