President Tinubu bans foreign trips for ministers, other govt officials

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has temporarily prohibited ministers, heads of agencies, and other government officials from embarking on public funded foreign trips.

The ban, according to a report, will last for three months in the first instance and will take effect on April 1, 2024.

The President gave the directive in a letter by Femi Gbajabiamila, his Chief of Staff, addressed to George Akumehe, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Tinubu said that government officials who want to go for any public funded international trip must seek and get presidential approval at least two weeks prior to embarking on any such trip, which must be deemed absolutely necessary.

The memo reads, “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.”