President Bola Tinubu has announced a temporary suspension on all foreign trips funded by the government for federal government officials, effective from the 1st of April, 2024.
This move is a part of the administration’s broader initiative to trim down expenses and direct the focus of Ministry, Department, and Agency heads towards their primary service delivery roles according to a circular to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, dated March 12, 2024, from the State House.
The directive aligns with the Federal Executive Council’s recent approval of the Steve Oronsaye Report, which calls for the consolidation of government agencies to economize on governance costs.
Earlier in January, President Tinubu had already reduced the number of delegates for official travels. His administration had faced public scrutiny for the large delegation at the COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai amidst the nation’s economic challenges, including high inflation and the removal of petrol subsidies.
Addressing the nation, President Tinubu stated, “The suspension of foreign trips is a key aspect of our administration’s commitment to cost reduction. It is essential for the heads of MDAs to focus on effective service delivery, especially concerning their assigned mandates.”
The circular, titled ‘Presidential Directive to Suspend Public Funded Foreign Trips by Government Officials,’ also mandated“any government official planning an international trip must seek and receive presidential consent at least two weeks in advance, ensuring that such trips are absolutely necessary.”
