President Tinubu temporarily bans public funded foreign trips for ministers, other government officials

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a ban on all foreign trips by ministers and other government officials, Premium Times is reporting.

Mr Tinubu gave the directive via a letter by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
In the letter, dated 12 March 2024, Mr Tinubu directed an embargo on all foreign trips. However, according to the letter, exemption could be given to “trips deemed absolutely necessary”.

Premium Times reports that a minister, who preferred not to be named because he has no permission to speak on the matter, said that he received a copy of the letter from the presidency. In the letter, President Tinubu expressed concerns over the rising cost of foreign trips embarked upon by government officials amid Nigeria’s dire economic situation.

According to the letter, the ban will last 90 days in the first instance and will come into effect on 1 April, 2024. “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,” the letter reads. [Swipe]