“We Will Be Strict”, Tinubu Gives Stern Order Ahead of High-level Meetings of UNGA

• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appeared to key into the reduction in cost of governance calls by some critics of his administration
• Legit.ng reports that the presidency acknowledged that some of his appointees 'use the opportunity of international meetings to go about their personal businesses'
• The Nigerian leader, therefore, placed a ban on public officials who have no business ar the upcoming 2024 United Nations General Assembly meetings

Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance.

FCT, Abuja - President Bola Tinubu has directed a reduction in the size of Nigeria’s official delegation to the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings in New York, United States (US).

This directive was disclosed by Tinubu's chief of staff (CoS), Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday night, August 17, in Abuja, during a one-day retreat organised by the state house management for heads of government agencies under its supervision.

Read also

Tinubu jets out as Nigeria battles fuel scarcity, details of his destination emerges

Tinubu favours reduction in cost of governance

Addressing participants at the retreat, the CoS said the decision to streamline Nigeria’s delegation to the 79th session of UNGA slated for September is part of the administration's commitment to ensure prudent management of resources and reduce the cost of governance.

Gbajabiamila said:

"'I just discussed with the President this afternoon. In the next few weeks, we are going to see a test of this policy during UNGA in New York.

''During recent protests, there were talks about reduction in cost of governance. Everyone is waiting to see if Nigeria, as in the past, will send the ‘largest delegation’ to UNGA.

''From experience, we know that some individuals use the opportunity of such international meetings to go about their personal businesses.

''I have received a directive from Mr. President that this time, we will be strict. If you have no business at the UN general assembly, do not step foot in America, and this is a directive from Mr. President."

Read also

BREAKING: Gbenga Daniel breaks silence after being linked with seized Nigerian presidential jets

International events: Past criticism towards Tinubu

Legit.ng recalls that Tinubu faced a backlash in 2023 over the high number of Nigerian delegations to the UN climate change conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The FG responded at the time saying the over 1,400 Nigerian representation is very much in line “with our status as Africa’s leading sovereign voice and player in climate action”.

During the campaigns – ahead of the February 25, 2023 elections – Tinubu pledged efficient use of resources should he win the presidency.

Read more on UNGA

• UNGA 78: Tinubu arrives in New York, 8 key things the president is expected to do
• Full Speech: Tinubu addresses world leaders at UN general assembly
• UN General Assembly to address AI's potential risks, rewards

Tinubu celebrates Babangida

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Tinubu congratulated Nigeria’s former head of state, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, as he clocked 83.

Read also

"Already falling apart": FG reacts amid looming nationwide protest on August 21, details emerge

Tinubu, in a release issued by his official spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, praised the former leader, especially for 'his endeavours towards the development of the nation'.

Source: Legit.ng