Tinubu places three-month ban on foreign trips for ministers, others

implemented a three-month ban on public funded foreign trips for ministers, heads of agencies, and other government officials

The 2024, aims to reduce the rising costs of travel expenses borne by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Government. The directive was communicated 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.

This decision comes in response to previous concerns regarding excessive delegation sizes and security arrangements during international trips. In January, President Tinubu had already issued an order to limit the number of people accompanying him on both local and foreign travels, with a maximum of 25 for local trips and 20 for international trips. Additionally, he emphasized that security agents at the destination should provide his protection, rather than being accompanied by a large number of security personnel from Abuja.

The decision for the ban was influenced by the backlash faced after the participation of about 590 Nigerian officials in the twenty-eighth Conference of Parties (COP28) in the United Arab Emirates. In response to public criticism, the government clarified that funding was provided for only 422 out of the 590 individuals in the delegation.

The temporary ban on public funded international trips is intended to be a cost-saving measure without compromising the functioning of the government. President Tinubu emphasized that any government official intending to embark on such a trip must seek and obtain presidential approval at least two weeks prior, and the trip must be deemed absolutely necessary.

Adetutu Sobowale, the author of the article, has three years of experience in publishing stories on gender, health, education, metro, and fact-checking.