President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a ban on all foreign trips by Nigerian Ministers and other government officials under his administration.
The President gave the directive in a letter signed by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
President Tinubu directed an embargo on all foreign trips in the letter, dated 12 March 2024. However, according to the letter, the exemption could be given to “trips deemed absolutely necessary”.
A minister, who preferred not to be named because he has no permission to speak on the matter, said he received a copy of the letter from the presidency.
President Tinubu in the letter, expressed concerns over the rising cost of foreign trips embarked upon by government officials amid Nigeria’s dire economic situation.
According to the letter, the ban will last 90 days in the first instance and will come into effect on 1 April 2024.
“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 letter reads.
The letter stated further that “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 (3) months from Is April 2024.
“This temporary measure is aimed at cost reduction in governance and intended as a cost-saving measure without compromising government functions.”
President Tinubu said exemptions would need presidential approvals which must be sought two weeks ahead of the planned trip.
“All government officials who intend to go on any public funded international trips must seek and obtain Presidential approval at least two (2) weeks prior to embarking on any such trip, which must be deemed absolutely necessary,” the letter reads.
