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By Emmanuel Adeleke
President Bola Tinubu has banned all foreign trips by ministers and other government officials.
Tinubu gave the directive in a letter addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
In the letter, dated March 12, 2024, Tinubu directed an embargo on all foreign trips.
However, the letter said exemption could be given to “trips deemed absolutely necessary.”
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 April 1, 2024.
“Mr. President has concerns about the rising cost of travel expenses borne by ministries, departments 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 President’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 1st April, 2024.
“This temporary measure is aimed at cost reduction in governance and intended as a cost-saving measure without compromising government functions,” the letter read.
Tinubu said exemptions would need presidential approvals, which must be sought two weeks ahead of the planned trip.
“All government officials who intend to go on any public 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 letter added.