President Bola Tinubu has placed a temporary ban on all publicly funded international trips for ministers, agency heads, and other government officials. This decision, effective from April 1, 2024, aims to tackle the rising costs associated with travel expenses and to ensure officials remain focused on their primary duties.
The directive was issued through a letter from Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Tinubu highlighted concerns over the escalating costs borne by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the government, as well as the necessity for cabinet members and agency heads to prioritize their mandates for efficient service delivery. To address these issues, the temporary ban on international travel will be in place for an initial three-month period.
Under the new directive, any government official intending to embark on a publicly funded international trip must obtain presidential approval at least two weeks before the scheduled departure. This requirement applies to trips deemed absolutely necessary for official duties.
“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.
“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.