President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a temporary suspension of publicly funded international trips for ministers and other government officials due to the country’s economic difficulties.
The announcement was made in a circular signed by Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President.
Dated March 12, 2024, and referenced SH/COS/63/1A/5746, the circular was directed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for distribution to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The suspension will last initially for three months, starting from April 1, 2024.
President Tinubu emphasized that any government official needing to undertake an internationally funded trip must obtain presidential consent at least two weeks before the planned departure, and such trips must be considered absolutely essential.
This directive follows the outcry over a recent training program in the United Kingdom, organized by the Accountant General of the Federation for finance commissioners of the 36 states and other officials.
The choice to conduct the workshop on Public Financial Management and International Public Sector Accounting Standards in London has been criticized by Nigerians, who question the decision amidst efforts to reduce governance costs and improve revenue generation.
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The circular, titled “Presidential Directive to Suspend Public Funded Foreign Trips by Government Officials,” expresses President Tinubu’s concern over the escalating travel expenses incurred by government entities and the need for Cabinet members and MDA heads to concentrate on their duties for effective service delivery.
Given the pressing economic challenges and the imperative of prudent fiscal management, the circular conveys the President’s instruction to temporarily halt all publicly funded international trips.
