President Bola Tinubu has placed a temporary ban on foreign travel by Federal Government officials at all levels, effective from April 1, 2023.

The ban is for an initial period of three months.

This was contained in a memo issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, a copy of which was obtained by The Star on Wednesday night.

Gbajabiamila noted that the ban on government officials from foreign trips was a result of the current economic situation in the country.

He stated that the government intends to save money through the ban, adding that any government official who must embark on any overseas travel must seek and obtain presidential approval.

The Chief of Staff noted: “The above subject matter refers: Mr. President has concerns about the rising cost of travel expenses borne by Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) 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.

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“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 April 1, 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 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.

“Please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”

The Star