Effective from April 1, 2024, President Bola Tinubu has announced a temporary restriction on publicly funded foreign travel for ministers, agency heads, and other government officials, according to a report by Punch Newspaper.
The ban is initially set for three months and was communicated via a letter dated March 12, 2024, signed by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
This follows Tinubu’s earlier order in January to reduce the number of individuals accompanying him on both domestic and international trips. The President limited his entourage to 25 for local travel and 20 for international trips, insisting that security at his destination should provide his protection rather than a large contingent from Abuja.
Meanwhile, the decision stems from criticism faced during and after the twenty-eighth Conference of Parties (COP28) in the United Arab Emirates, which displayed approximately 590 supposed Nigerian officials in attendance. In response, the government cleared the air, stating that funding was provided for only 422 individuals in the delegation.
“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 measure aims to curb costs in governance without compromising government functions, with a requirement for presidential approval at least two weeks prior to any public funded international trip, deemed “absolutely necessary.” The President’s letter stated.
Chinedum Anayo