Public-funded foreign trips on hold for three months

In response to the economic challenges facing the country and the need for responsible fiscal management, the Federal Government has suspended public-funded foreign trips for three months.

This will be with effect from April 1.

Ministers, heads of departments and agencies, as well as other top Federal Government officials are affected.

A circular on this development from the Office of Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, has been conveyed through the Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

The circular was posted by a presidential aide on X, formerly Twitter.

It says any official going on an important foreign assignment must obtain presidential approval two weeks before the trip.

The circular was also sent to the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

It reads: “Mr. President has concerns about the rising cost of travel expenses borne by ministries, departments 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 months from April 1, 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.”

In January, the President ordered the reduction of the number of persons on his entourage and other government officials on local and foreign trips.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima and his wife Nana, were also affected by that policy.

Only 25 aides were expected to accompany the President on local trips and 20 outside the country.

The number of persons okayed for the First Lady and Vice-President is five each.

For local trips, the First Lady is entitled to 10 while the Vice-President is 15.

See original story: https://thenationonlineng.net/public-fundd-foreign-trips-on-hold-for-three-months/