Tinubu has mandated that any minister planning to undertake ‘necessary’ foreign trips using public funds must obtain his approval at least two weeks before the trip.
In an effort to curb governance expenses, President Bola Tinubu has prohibited ministers and other government officials from embarking on publicly funded trips abroad.
The ban will be enforced starting April 1, 2024, and will last for three months.
This decision was communicated through a letter signed by Femi Gbajabiamila, the President’s Chief of Staff, and addressed to George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
“Mr. President is concerned about the escalating travel expenses borne by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Government, as well as the growing necessity for cabinet members and heads of MDAs to concentrate on their respective duties for effective service delivery.
“In light of the current economic challenges and the need for prudent fiscal management, I am writing to convey Mr. President’s directive to impose a temporary ban on all publicly funded international trips for all Federal Government officials at all levels, initially for a period of three months from April 1, 2024.”
The letter also specified that government officials intending to embark on publicly funded international trips must obtain presidential approval at least two weeks before the trip.
According to the president, such trips must be deemed ‘absolutely necessary.’
“All government officials intending to undertake any publicly funded international trips must seek and secure Presidential approval at least two weeks before embarking on such trips, which must be considered absolutely necessary,” the letter stated.
Background
The President’s directive followed a workshop attended by the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, along with finance commissioners from the 36 states and other government officials in the United Kingdom.
The workshop, held at the Copthorne Tara Hotel in Kensington London from March 4 to March 9, 2024, faced severe criticism from Nigerians. Madein was chastised for organizing the training in the UK amid the country’s economic downturn.
It’s worth noting that as part of his cost-saving measures, President Tinubu reduced his entourage to 20 in January and encouraged his team to do the same. This decision came after backlash following the last Conference of Parties (COP28) held in the United Arab Emirates.
