President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken steps to curb excessive spending by Nigerian government officials attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
He has directed the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to halt the processing of visas for government officials planning to travel to the UNGA unless they can provide proof of direct participation in the official activities of the assembly.
Tinubu’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, stated that this directive is part of a broader effort to reduce the overall cost of governance in Nigeria. To ensure transparency and prevent misuse of this policy, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria has been informed about the official visa processing procedures. Furthermore, Nigeria’s Permanent Mission in New York has been instructed to prevent the accreditation of any government official who is not included on the protocol lists provided by the approving authority.
Ngelale explained that this directive applies to all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Those officials approved to be part of the UNGA delegation are required to limit the number of aides and associated staff accompanying them during the event. Any instances of excess or anomalies will be addressed during the final verification process.
President Tinubu emphasized that government officials and expenditures should align with the prudence and sacrifices being made by responsible citizens across Nigeria. This move highlights the commitment to responsible spending and the efficient utilization of resources within the government.
