President Bola Tinubu has placed a temporary ban on all public-funded international trips for all Federal Government officials at all levels.
The period of the temporary ban would last for three months beginning from April 1 and lasting till the end of July.
As contained in a circular directed to the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) from the Office of Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the directive will affect cabinet members including Ministers and heads of MDAs, as well as other top Federal Government officials.
The circular explained that the directive is a temporary measure aimed at cost reduction in governance and intended as a cost-saving measure without compromising government functions.
However, according to the circular sighted by InsideBusiness, it was indicated that all 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.”
The circular which was signed by the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, conveyed through the Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to relevant MDAs, reads: “Mr. President has concerns about the rising cost of travel expenses borne by ministries, departments 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.
“Considering the current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management, I am writing to communicate Mr. President’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 months from April 1, 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 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.”
Recall that in January, President Tinubu has ordered the reduction of the number of persons on his entourage and other government officials on local and foreign trips.
The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima and his wife Nana, were also affected by the directive.
Only 25 aides were expected to accompany the President on local trips and 20 outside the country. The number of persons okayed for the First Lady and Vice-President was reduced to five each.
For local trips, the First Lady is entitled to 10 while the Vice-President is 15.
The wife of the Vice-President was granted 10 aides for her local trips.
Also, a minister is not expected to embark on a foreign trip with more than four persons.
The number of persons accompanying every head of the federal agency on a trip was reduced to two.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, who announced the measure, explained that it was part of the cost-cutting plan of the government.
Comments are closed.