President Tinubu issues a temporary ban on ministers and other government officials from traveling overseas

• Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has temporarily prohibited ministers, agency heads, and government officials from participating in publicly funded international trips.

• Starting April 1, 2024, a three-month ban will be in effect for the first instance.

• Tinubu directed Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to send a letter to the Secretary to the Federation, George Akume, outlining the directive.

President Bola Tinubu has placed a temporary ban on ministers, agency heads, and government officials taking publicly financed vacations abroad.

In the first instance, the ban will be in effect for three months beginning April 1, 2024.

Tinubu directed his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to send a letter to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, with the directive.

Tinubu stated that government officials who intend to take any public-funded international trip must request and receive presidential approval at least two weeks before starting on the trip, which must be deemed absolutely necessary.

The memo reads; “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.

“Considering the current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management, I am writing to communicate Mr. President’s directive to place a temporary ban on all public funded international trips for all Federal Government officials at all levels, for an initial period of three (3) months from 1st April 2024.

“This temporary measure is aimed at cost reduction in governance and intended as a cost saving measure without compromising government functions.

“All government officials who intend to go on any public funded international trip, must seek and obtain presidential approval at least two (2) weeks prior to embarking on any such trip, which must be deemed absolutely necessary.

“Considering the above, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is kindly requested to circulate this directive to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.”