Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered a ban on all foreign travel by ministers and other government officials, local media reported, citing a presidential directive via a letter by his Chief of Staff they received.
According to the letter, the ban will take effect on April 1 and last for 90 days.
In the letter, President Tinubu expressed concern over the rising cost of foreign travel by government officials in the midst of Nigeria's dire economic situation.
"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 1st April 2024," the letter said.
The temporary measure is aimed at reducing administrative costs and is designed to save money without compromising government functions, the letter added.
However, according to the letter, an exception could be made for "trips deemed absolutely necessary." In addition, exceptions to the policy will require presidential approval, which must be obtained two weeks prior to the planned trip.
In early January, President Tinubu ordered that all official entourages on state and international travel be reduced by 60% in an effort to cut government spending. Under the directive, the president shouldn't be accompanied by more than 20 people on foreign trips, while the entourage of the First Lady and Vice President is limited to five people.