By Daniel Edu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instituted a three-month moratorium on publicly-funded international travel for ministers, heads of agencies, and other government representatives. The directive, communicated through a letter dated March 12, 2024, by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, aims to curtail expenses in governance while ensuring continued focus on government mandates.
Gbajabiamila emphasized the President’s concerns regarding escalating travel costs borne by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), alongside the imperative for cabinet members and MDA heads to prioritize service delivery. In light of prevailing economic challenges and the imperative for prudent fiscal management, the President has mandated a temporary suspension of all publicly-funded international trips for Federal Government officials for an initial three-month period beginning April 1, 2024.
Government officials seeking to embark on such trips must obtain presidential approval at least two weeks in advance, with trips deemed “absolutely necessary” warranting consideration.
Tinubu Implements 60% Reduction in Presidency’s Travel Expenditure
President Bola Tinubu has initiated a significant reduction, amounting to 60%, in the travel expenses of government officials within his administration. This move forms part of broader efforts to streamline expenditures, impacting travel budgets for the President, Vice President, First Lady, Ministers, and heads of agencies.
According to the presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s entourage during foreign travels is limited to a maximum of 20 staff members. Furthermore, each minister is constrained to four accompanying staff members, while heads of agencies are restricted to two, further emphasizing the administration’s commitment to prudent resource management.
