President Bola Tinubu has implemented a three-month ban on public-funded foreign trips for ministers, agency heads, and other government officials, effective from April 1, 2024.
The directive was outlined in a letter dated March 12, 2024, signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Earlier in January, Tinubu had ordered a reduction in the number of individuals accompanying him on local and foreign trips. He capped his delegation at 25 for local travels and 20 for international trips, emphasizing that security personnel at his destination should provide protection instead of being accompanied by a large entourage from Abuja.
This decision came in response to criticism following the participation of 590 Nigerian officials in the twenty-eighth Conference of Parties (COP28) in the United Arab Emirates, where the government clarified that funding was provided for only 422 individuals.
The letter announcing the ban cited concerns over the escalating travel expenses borne by government agencies and the need for cabinet members and agency heads to concentrate on their core responsibilities for effective service delivery.
It stated, “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 temporary ban aims to curtail costs in governance without compromising government functions, according to the letter.
Furthermore, the directive mandates that government officials seeking to embark on public-funded international trips must obtain presidential approval at least two weeks before the scheduled departure date, emphasizing that such trips should be deemed absolutely necessary.
In essence, the measure aims to ensure responsible fiscal management and efficient utilization of resources within the government.
