Hope the ban includes you - Nigerians quizzes Tinubu on 3-month ban on foreign trips

President Bola Tinubu has announced a three-month ban on public-funded foreign trips by government officials.

The ban set to begin in April, 2024, is to ensure appointees focus on their respective mandates.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila made this known in a memo sent to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

According to Gbajabiamila, this move is as a result of the current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management.

This he said would reduce the cost of governance without compromising government functions.

He added that government officials would be allowed to embark on their foreign trips as long as they obtain the approval of the President two weeks before their intended travelling date.

Gbajabiamila said, “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.”

Since the announcement, Nigerians have been sharing their thoughts.

@Shile_matrix: Why is it just 3months, why is the presidency not included, he should start leading by example

@RealQueenBee__: I hope the 3 months ban is inclusive of himself because his trips are funded with tax payers money

@Teefres23941319: They can’t go on public funded trips only not that they can’t travel

@Chibeznwankwo: And not on himself?

@Dnobleclothing:If truly this will be implemented I hope his family's excessive tax payer money spending can be stopped. Let him just probe buhari admin instead of levying tax on the masses

@GbengaSegu23029: PBAT is an excellent Admin Manager. You aren't see nothing yet wait till all ministries become truthful, proactive, transparency and impartiality, then you will understand that God has blessed the country with a prudent administrator. Looking for Mr Project, look elsewhere, pls

@Chinedu17484175: They will still circumvent or violate the order, useless criminals who pretend to love their country but love other people's country more than theirs. DEVELOP YOUR COUNTRY , THEN YOU WOULDN'T HAVE THE NEED TO TRAVEL ABROAD.