MINISTERS, AIDES, AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS CANNOT TRAVEL ABROAD, PER TINUBU

Babatunji Wusu –

In an effort to reduce the expense of government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prohibited ministers, advisers, and other government personnel from traveling abroad.

The directive was sent by Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, via letter dated March 12, 2024.

Premium Times reports that President Tinubu sent a letter ordering a travel embargo on all overseas travel, with the caveat that journeys judged extremely necessary can be excused.

According to Tinubu, such exclusions would require presidential approval, which would need to be requested two weeks prior to the scheduled travel, the letter stated.

The letter states that the restriction would initially take effect on April 1, 2024, and it will endure for ninety days.

In the letter, President Tinubu also voiced his concerns about the growing expense of government officials’ overseas travels in light of the grave economic circumstances facing the nation.

The letter 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 Presideni’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 Is 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 publicly funded international trips must seek and obtain Presidential approval at least two (2) weeks prior to embarking on any such trip, which must be deemed absolutely necessary.

The news platform said it obtained a copy of the letter and its authenticity was confirmed by some ministers.