Chief Bola Tinubu has implemented a temporary ban on ministers, agency heads, and other government officials from engaging in publicly funded foreign travel, with an exception for himself.
The ban, effective from April 1, 2024, will initially last for three months.
This directive was conveyed in a letter from Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Tinubu emphasized that officials intending to travel abroad at public expense must obtain presidential approval at least two weeks beforehand, with such trips deemed essential.
“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. President’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 1st April 2024.
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“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 trip, must seek and obtain presidential approval at least two (2) weeks prior to embarking on any such trip, which must be deemed absolutely necessary.
“Considering the above, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is kindly requested to circulate this directive to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government”, the memo reads.
