Tinubu Imposes Three-Month Ban on Government Funded Foreign Trips for Ministers, Others

Due to the current economic crisis, President Bola Tinubu has imposed a three-month ban on government-funded foreign trips for Ministers, heads of government agencies, and other officials.

The ban which takes effect from the 1st of April, 2024 was conveyed through a letter dated March 12, 2024, 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 letter urged Ministers to focus on service delivery as aimed in the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu-led government and also cited the “current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management.”

“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,” the letter stated.

The letter further charged government officials who intend to undertake a publicly-funded trip within the stipulated three months to seek and obtain presidential approval at least two weeks to the trip and will be permitted if deemed “absolutely necessary.”

It made it clear that its aim is for “cost reduction in governance and intended as a cost-saving measure without compromising government functions” in line with the agenda of President Tinubu.