It has been projected that the Federal Government (FG) is likely to save over N5bn quarterly on foreign trips, News About Nigeria reports.
This is a result of the new policy banning officials of ministries, departments, and agencies from embarking on public-funded foreign trips for three months, according to an analysis of government budget data.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu raised concerns about the rising costs of international travel borne by directors, permanent secretaries, and workers of the federal civil service.
He, therefore, in 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, banned government officials from embarking on public-funded trips overseas.
“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 months from Ist April 2024.”
It added, “This temporary measure is aimed at cost reduction in governance and intended as a cost-saving measure without compromising government functions,” the letter partly reads.
The decision to ban foreign trips, however, came five weeks after Nigerians criticised the Tinubu administration for participating in the United Nation’s annual climate summit, COP28, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with 1,114 delegates.
President Bola Tinubu further added that government officials who needed to go on any public-funded foreign trip must seek and get presidential approval at least two weeks before embarking on such a trip, which must be ‘deemed absolutely necessary.
