Economic Hardship: Tinubu Places Temporary Ban on Foreign Trips for FG Officials

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed a temporary ban on foreign travels by public officials under the employment of the federal government, starting from April 1, this year.

In an official communication with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, sighted by THISDAY last night, the president noted that the decision was as a result of the current economic realities in the country.

Besides, the president stated that there was the need to ensure that all public officials in leadership positions focus on their core mandates for effective service delivery instead of getting distracted by such movements.

Tagged: “Presidential Directive to Suspend Public Funded Foreign Trips By Government Officials,“ the memo noted that henceforth , any such publicly funded trips are put on hold for three months, in the first instance.

“The above subject matter refers: Mr. President has concerns about the rising cost of travel expenses borne by Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) 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,” part of the letter stated.

The official communication is coming days after there was public outrage over the execution of a plan by the Accountant General of the Federation, commissioners of finance of the 36 states of the federation and other government officials, to jet out of the country to hold a workshop in the United Kingdom.

The Office held the workshop on Public Financial Management and International Public Sector Accounting Standards in London, UK at Copthorne Tara Hotel, Kensington, from March 4 to March 9, 2024.

Nigeria is currently grappling with economic challenges occasioned by persistent rise in prices as well as foreign exchange shortages, which are worsening the constraints faced by businesses, especially manufacturers.

This crisis has been further made worse by the government’s decisions to remove petrol subsidies and allow the naira to float, which have formed part of a larger reform agenda by the Tinubu-led administration.

But as part of the new cost-cutting measures, the president had also recently reduced the size of his entourage and encouraged his team to do the same.

However, in the latest instance, the president explained that the government intends to save money by the new strategy, maintaining that any government official who must embark on any overseas travel must first seek presidential nod.

 “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 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. Please accept the assurances of my highest regards,” part of the memo read.