President Bola Tinubu has placed a 3-month suspension on government-funded overseas travel for ministers, heads of agencies, and other Government officials.
Gatekeepers News reports that the prohibition which will commence on April 1, 2024, was contained in a letter dated March 12, 2024, signed by Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the president, and sent to George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
According to the letter, the purpose of the ban was to cut down on governance expenses.
The letter read in part: “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.”
Tinubu noted that for any publicly funded foreign travel, government officials are required to secure approval from the presidency at least two weeks prior, with the stipulation that the trip is ‘necessary’.
“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 trips must seek and obtain Presidential approval at least two weeks before embarking on any such trip, which must be deemed necessary,” the letter added.
