BREAKING: President Tinubu Bans Foreign Trips for Ministers, Other FG Officials
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated a temporary suspension of all foreign trips for ministers and other federal government officials.
This directive, articulated in a letter from the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, is set to take effect from April 1, 2024.
This embargo, detailed in a communication dated March 12, 2024, introduces a 90-day suspension period on internationally funded travels, with the provision for exceptions only in cases deemed critically necessary. The measure is described as an initial step towards enhancing fiscal responsibility and ensuring that government officials remain aligned with their core mandates for improved service delivery.
The context of this policy emphasizes the government’s concern over the significant financial burden that frequent foreign trips by its officials place on the national treasury. President Tinubu, through this directive, stresses the importance of prioritizing national economic stability and effective governance, especially during a period marked by economic adversities.
The letter further specifies that any exceptions to this travel ban will require presidential consent, which should be sought no less than two weeks before the planned departure. This requirement is part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing governance costs without undermining the operational efficiency of the government.