President Bola Tinubu has taken a decisive step by placing a temporary ban lasting three months on public-funded foreign trips for Ministers, Agency Heads, and other government officials.
The ban, effective from April 1, 2024, was communicated through a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
“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 Presideni’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 Ist April 2024,” the letter reads in part.
This move comes in response to concerns about escalating travel expenses and the necessity for officials to concentrate on their core mandates amidst economic challenges.
It added, “This temporary measure is aimed at cost reduction in governance and intended as a cost-saving measure without compromising government functions.”
Tinubu’s directive underscores the need for responsible fiscal management and aims to trim governance costs without compromising governmental functions.
Furthermore, officials must obtain presidential approval at least two weeks prior to any public-funded international trip, ensuring that such travel is deemed absolutely necessary.
