In a bid to tackle financial challenges and ensure effective service delivery, President Bola Tinubu has initiated a temporary ban on public-funded foreign trips for ministers, agency heads, and other government officials.
The directive, conveyed through a letter from his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stipulates that this ban will be effective from April 1, 2024, for an initial period of three months.
Tinubu’s decision stems from concerns over escalating travel expenses and the necessity for officials to prioritize their core responsibilities.
Emphasizing the imperative of responsible fiscal management amidst economic strains, the directive underscores the need for stringent approval procedures for any essential international travel.
Under the new guidelines, government officials intending to embark on public-funded international trips must secure presidential approval at least two weeks beforehand.
This measure aims at curtailing unnecessary expenditures without compromising the efficiency of governmental functions.
The memo urges the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to disseminate the directive across all government ministries, departments, and agencies, thereby ensuring compliance and adherence to the cost-saving measures outlined by the President.