President Tinubu Bans Foreign Trips for Ministers and Officials, Cites Cost Concerns
President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive banning all foreign trips by ministers and other government officials, with exemptions only for trips deemed absolutely necessary. The directive, communicated via a letter from his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, aims to reduce the rising cost of foreign travel expenses borne by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.
The ban, effective from 1st April 2024, will last for 90 days in the first instance. President Tinubu emphasized the need for responsible fiscal management and cost-saving measures without compromising government functions. Exemptions to the ban will require presidential approval sought at least two weeks prior to the planned trip.
Critics have questioned President Tinubu’s commitment to governance cost reduction, citing previous instances where he violated his own directives on reducing travel expenses. Despite earlier efforts to cut down on delegation sizes for local and foreign trips, reports indicate that President Tinubu and his appointees have continued to embark on numerous foreign trips, raising concerns about the cost implications.
The directive comes amidst public criticism of the government’s handling of foreign trips, including a recent visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where a large delegation of 590 officials attended the Conference of Parties (COP28). President Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, was among those in attendance, sparking further controversy over the justification for such large delegations.
It remains to be seen how President Tinubu will enforce this new travel restriction on government officials and whether it will lead to significant cost savings in governance. Critics and the public will be closely monitoring the implementation of this directive to ensure accountability and responsible use of public funds.
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