Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila
The new policy prohibiting officers of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies from leaving the country on public funds for a period of three months might save the Federal Government an estimated N5 billion per quarter, according to a study of government budget data.
The information was gathered by dividing the budget for 2024 by 103 MDAs into categories for money designated for overseas travel.
Regarding the growing expenses of foreign travel incurred by directors, permanent secretaries, and federal civil service employees, President Bola Tinubu had expressed misgivings.
Consequently, the President forbade government officials from traveling abroad on publicly sponsored vacations in a letter dated March 12, 2024, which was signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and written to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
The ban will go into effect on April 1, 2024, with the intention of lowering governance costs.
It reads, “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 continues, “This temporary measure is aimed at cost reduction in governance and intended as a cost-saving measure without compromising government functions.”
However, Tinubu said that government employees who needed to take a trip abroad that was paid for by the public had to apply for and receive presidential clearance at least two weeks in advance of the trip, and the trip had to be “deemed absolutely necessary.”
The most recent development occurred a few days after Nigerians, civil society organizations, and rights groups criticized the Accountant General of the Federation, the 36 state commissioners of finance, and other government officials for selecting to hold a workshop in the UK during a period of severe economic downturn.
That being said, 43 permanent secretaries are anticipated to be impacted by the most recent policy implemented by the Tinubu administration. 43 PS are presently employed by the Federal Civil Service, according to research data.
A review of MDAs that are known for their travel expenses indicates that the Vice President’s office will save N307.3 million in three months, while the State House (Presidency) will save almost N1.74 billion. With a total budget of N1.19 billion for foreign travel, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources will save N299.5 million in 36 months.