President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a temporary ban on all public-funded international trips for federal government officials at all levels, starting from April 1, 2024, for an initial period of three months.
The ban was revealed in a memo signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. The memo stated that the decision was made due to the current economic realities in the country and the need for public officials to focus on their core mandates for effective service delivery.
Titled "Presidential Directive to Suspend Public Funded Foreign Trips By Government Officials," the memo stated, "Mr. President has concerns about the rising cost of travel expenses borne by Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) 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 directive comes in the wake of public outrage over a planned workshop in the United Kingdom involving the Accountant General of the Federation, commissioners of finance of the 36 states of the federation, and other government officials. The workshop on Public Financial Management and International Public Sector Accounting Standards was held in London at Copthorne Tara Hotel, Kensington, from March 4 to March 9, 2024.
The temporary ban on public-funded international trips is aimed at promoting responsible fiscal management and ensuring that government officials remain focused on their duties amid economic challenges.
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