President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a decisive step towards cutting the cost of governance by instituting a ban on foreign trips for ministers, aides, and government officials. The directive, conveyed through a letter dated March 12, 2024, from his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, aims to curb excessive spending.
The embargo, as reported by Premium Times, applies to all foreign trips unless they are deemed absolutely necessary and receive presidential approval, which must be sought at least two weeks prior to the planned travel. This measure, effective from April 1, 2024, will initially last for 90 days.
President Tinubu’s decision comes in light of concerns over the escalating costs of foreign travel for government officials, especially amidst the country’s challenging economic circumstances. The President emphasized the need for Cabinet Members and heads of MDAs to focus on their core responsibilities for effective service delivery.
The letter states, “This temporary measure is aimed at cost reduction in governance and intended as a cost-saving measure without compromising government functions.” It further underscores the importance of seeking presidential approval for any essential international trips to ensure responsible fiscal management.
While the authenticity of the letter was confirmed by some ministers, one minister, preferring anonymity, disclosed receiving a copy of the directive from the presidency.