One week after the office of the Accountant General of the Federation held a one week workshop in London, President Bola Tinubu has now banned officials of the government from embarking on foreign trips for three months.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who made this known in a circular sent to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), said the reason for the temporary ban is the current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management.
The Chief of Staff said that the temporary measure is aimed at cost reduction in governance and is intended as a cost-saving measure without compromising government functions.
The circular indicated that government officials could still embark on foreign trips if it is absolutely urgent but would have to apply and obtain the approval of the President two weeks before their intended travelling date.
Gbajabiamila said, “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.
“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 (3) months from 1st April 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.
“Considering 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.”