President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a directive to temporarily halt foreign travels by public officials in the employment of the federal government, effective April 1 of this year. The decision, communicated through an official memo signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, aims to address the current economic challenges facing the nation.
Citing concerns over the rising cost of travel expenses incurred by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the government, as well as the need for cabinet members and heads of MDAs to concentrate on their core mandates for efficient service delivery, President Tinubu emphasized the necessity of implementing the temporary ban.
The memo, tagged “Presidential Directive to Suspend Public Funded Foreign Trips By Government Officials,” outlines the suspension of publicly funded trips for a period of three months, initially. This measure seeks to ensure that public officials in leadership positions remain focused on their duties without being distracted by international travels.
The decision reflects the administration’s commitment to prudent financial management and the optimization of resources amid the prevailing economic realities in the country. By prioritizing effective service delivery and minimizing unnecessary expenditures, the government aims to enhance accountability and improve governance.
It is expected that during this temporary ban, government officials will utilize the period to concentrate on addressing pressing issues within their respective spheres of responsibility, thereby contributing to the overall development and progress of the nation.
