President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to suspend all public-funded foreign trips for Federal Government officials, effective from April 1, 2024.
The temporary ban was communicated through a circular dated March 12, 2024, from the State House to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, for dissemination to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The presidential directive comes on the heels of the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) recent approval of the full implementation of the 12-year-old Steve Oronsaye Report, advocating for the merger of government agencies and commissions to reduce governance costs.
Additionally, in January, President Tinubu reduced the size of travel delegations for official trips within and outside the country.
The decision to suspend public-funded foreign trips follows criticism leveled against the government for its perceived extravagant spending, particularly exemplified by the large delegation at the COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai last December.
With the nation grappling with inflation, high living costs, and economic challenges exacerbated by the removal of petrol subsidy, many Nigerians have criticized the government for its perceived insensitivity to the citizens’ plight, urging the administration to lead by example and curtail governance costs.
In response to these concerns, President Tinubu emphasized the need for effective service delivery and responsible fiscal management.
The circular issued by the State House outlined the President’s directive, stating, “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 from 1st April, 2024.”
The directive further mandates that government officials seeking to embark on public-funded international trips must obtain presidential approval at least two weeks prior to their departure, emphasizing the necessity of such trips.
The suspension of public-funded foreign trips is intended as a cost-saving measure without compromising the government’s governance functions, as stated in the circular titled ‘Presidential Directive to Suspend Public-Funded Foreign Trips by Government Officials.’