In a bid to prioritize 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 April 1, 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,” according to a letter dated March 12 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.
The announcement comes amidst growing public concern over the escalating costs associated with foreign trips by government officials. Critics long have argued that such trips often result in little tangible benefits for the nation while draining valuable resources.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
