In a major cost-cutting move, President Bola Tinubu has imposed a strict three-month ban on all foreign trips funded with public money for ministers, heads of government agencies, and other officials.
The ban, which takes effect from April 1, 2024, was aimed at reducing the rising expenses incurred by ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) on international travels and ensuring that cabinet members and heads of MDAs focus on their respective mandates for effective service delivery.
The directive 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 cited the “current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management” as the driving factors behind the temporary measure.
“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.