In a bid to prioritise fiscal responsibility and streamline government expenditure, President Bola Tinubu has announced a temporary ban on all publicly-funded foreign trips for federal government officials, effective 1 April 2024.
The ban applies to all ministries, departments, and agencies of the federal government. It covers trips funded by taxpayers’ money for conferences, seminars, workshops, and other official engagements abroad.
The President’s decision to enforce this ban stems from a commitment to ensure prudent management of public resources amid economic challenges facing the nation.
“This temporary measure is aimed at cost reduction in governance and intended as a cost-saving measure without compromising government functions,” a letter dated 12 March and signed by Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, stated.
The ban will run for three months in the first instance, but an exemption could be given to “trips deemed absolutely necessary” after the official has gotten presidential approval two weeks earlier.
“All government officials who intend to go on any publicly funded international trips must seek and obtain Presidential approval at least two weeks prior to embarking on any such trip, which must be deemed absolutely necessary,” the letter reads.
The announcement comes amidst growing public concern over the escalating costs associated with foreign trips by government officials. Critics have long argued that such trips often result in little tangible benefits for the nation while draining valuable resources.
In response to the President’s directive, government ministries and agencies are expected to review their travel budgets and implement measures to comply with the new regulation.
Ezinwanne Onwuka, senior staff reporter and columnist with WAP is a Nigerian-based writer and content developer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her interests include reading, writing, researching and graphic designing.
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