Tinubu Places 3-Month Ban on Foreign Trips For Ministers, Others, Gives Reason

• President Bola Tinubu has banned public office holders from embarking on public-funded foreign trips for three months
• The Chief of Staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the ban will take effect on April 1, 2024
• Gbajabiamila explained that the decision was taken as a cost-saving measure without compromising government functions

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 5 years of experience covering metro and government policy

State House, Abuja - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed a three-month ban on public-funded foreign trips for ministers, heads of agencies, and other government officials

The Chief of Staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila, made this known in a letter dated March 12, 2024.

Gbajabiamila said the ban was aimed at reducing costs in governance without compromising government functions, The Punch reported.

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The letter partially read:

“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 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 months from April 1, 2024.”

According to Tribune, the letter revealed that government officials who intend to embark on any public funded foreign trip must get presidential approval at least two weeks before. And such a trip must be ‘deemed absolutely necessary’.

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Tinubu slashes Presidency’s travel cost by 60%

Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu has implemented a 60% reduction in the travel expenses of government officials within his administration.

The move is part of the Presidency's efforts to cut costs, and it will impact the travel budgets of the President, Vice President, First Lady, Ministers, and heads of agencies.

The presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale said the President is restricted to having a maximum of 20 staff members outside the country. Additionally, he highlighted that each minister is restricted to having only four staff members accompanying them on foreign trips, while heads of agencies are limited to just two.

Source: Legit.ng