President Bola Tinubu has banned ministers, heads of agencies from embarking on public funded foreign trips for three months.
The president gave the directive in a circular signed by the Chief of staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The circular dated 12th March 2024, reads that, “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.”
