The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has imposed a foreign trip ban on all his ministers and other government officials, with effect from April 1, 2024.
The suspension was contained in a circular signed by Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President.
Tinubu noted that government officials intending to embark on any publicly funded international trip must seek and obtain presidential approval at least two weeks prior to their departure, and such trips must be deemed absolutely necessary.
The circular stated that the ban aimed to reduce the escalating expenses incurred by ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) on international travel, ensuring that cabinet members and heads of MDAs prioritise their respective mandates for effective service delivery.
These directives followed public outcry over a recent training program organised by the Accountant General of the Federation for Commissioners of Finance of the 36 states and other government officials in the United Kingdom (UK).
The decision to conduct the workshop on Public Financial Management and International Public Sector Accounting Standards in London, UK, faced criticism from Nigerians, who questioned the rationale for selecting the UK for such an event at a time when the government is addressing the increasing cost of governance and poor revenue generation.
The circular titled: “Presidential Directive to Suspend Public Funded Foreign Trips by Government Officials”, stated that President Bola Tinubu, “has concerns about the rising cost of travel borne by Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the government as well as the growing needs for Cabinet members and heads of MDAs to focus in 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 from 1st April, 2024.
“This temporary measure is aimed at cost reduction in governance and intended as a cost saving measure without compromising governance 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”, the memo reads.