President Tinubu Enforces Ban on Taxpayer
President Tinubu Enforces Ban on Taxpayer: President Bola Tinubu has instructed a cessation of all publicly funded international travel for ministers, officials, and agency heads,
as conveyed in a letter from his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,
George Akume. Effective April 1, 2024, a three-month suspension on overseas trips by government officials aims to curtail
governance expenses and foster fiscal prudence.
The directive reflects President Tinubu’s apprehensions regarding the mounting costs associated with travel borne by Ministries,
Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the government. It underscores the necessity for Cabinet Members and MDA heads to
concentrate on their core mandates for effective service delivery amidst economic challenges.
Gbajabiamila’s correspondence articulates the President’s decision to enforce a temporary moratorium on all publicly funded international
trips for federal government officials for an initial three-month period starting from April 1, 2024. This measure seeks to rationalize governance expenses without compromising the efficiency of governmental functions.
President Tinubu Enforces Ban on Taxpayer: The Moratorium
During the moratorium, any proposed official overseas trips must secure explicit approval from President Tinubu at least two weeks prior to departure, provided they are deemed “absolutely necessary.” The aim is to ensure that foreign travel is restricted to essential activities that contribute directly to national interests.
The imposition of this temporary ban aligns with broader efforts to optimize government spending and promote fiscal responsibility. It underscores the administration’s commitment to prudently manage public resources amidst economic constraints and evolving priorities.
This move comes in response to calls by Peter Obi, Tinubu’s rival in the 2023 presidential election, to halt all foreign trips for government officials until the nation addresses its security and other pressing challenges. It reflects a proactive stance towards addressing concerns regarding governance efficiency and fiscal accountability.