No more publicly funded trips for ministers, govt officials - President Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has banned all ministers, heads of agencies and other government officials from engaging in foreign trips funded by the public purse.

The president made this known in a statement signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila on March 12.

According to the statement, the ban lasts for three months from April 1st, 2024.

The president said that officials who plan to embark on any publicly funded international trip must seek approval from the presidency, two weeks prior before embarking on such trips. The trip must also be deemed necessary.

“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”, the memo reads.