Tinubu Bans Public-Funded Foreign Trips for Govt. Officials
Amidst a quest to reduce pressures on the Nigerian naira, President Bola Tinubu has put public-funded foreign trips on hold, details from its official social media handles revealed.
Effective from April 1, the government is suspending foreign trips by its cabinet members for three months on the back economic challenges facing the country.
A circular on this development from the Office of Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, has been conveyed through the Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
The circular posted by a presidential aide on X, formerly Twitter stated that Ministers, heads of departments and agencies, as well as other top Federal Government officials are affected.
It says any official going on an important foreign assignment must obtain presidential approval two weeks before the trip. The circular was also sent to the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.
It 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.” #Tinubu Bans Public-Funded Foreign Trips for Govt. Officials
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