The Federal Government has tightened the rules governing official foreign trips, ordering ministers, security chiefs, heads of government agencies and other political appointees to obtain clearance from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation before travelling abroad on official assignments.
Under the new directive, no government appointee is expected to embark on an official foreign trip without prior approval from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
The government has also placed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on alert, directing it to demand evidence of the required OSGF approval before processing official travel documents, visas and other diplomatic arrangements for affected officials.
The directive was contained in a circular signed by the SGF, George Akume, and sent to senior government officials and heads of major Federal Government institutions.
The circular, which takes immediate effect, expressed concern over the continued practice of some officials travelling abroad on government business without securing the necessary clearance.
According to Akume, the development runs contrary to existing government regulations designed to control official foreign travel and ensure proper coordination of government activities.
The SGF recalled that successive administrations had issued several circulars regulating foreign trips by ministers, heads of ministries, departments and agencies, boards, committees and other public officials.
These measures, he said, were introduced to promote accountability, fiscal discipline, transparency and prudent management of public funds.
Among the regulations cited was the September 18, 2023 circular on Guidelines for Official Travels by Cabinet Members, Heads of Agencies and Public Officials.
The government also referred to earlier directives issued in 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2018, all aimed at controlling official foreign trips and reducing unnecessary expenditure.
Despite the various directives, the SGF said violations had continued.
He warned that unauthorised foreign trips could undermine the Federal Government’s efforts to monitor official engagements, coordinate government business and ensure responsible use of public resources.
The government therefore reiterated that prior OSGF approval remains mandatory for official foreign trips by Federal Government appointees.
The only exceptions, according to the circular, are where the requirement is expressly waived by law or through a specific directive from the President.
The latest move is expected to bring tighter scrutiny to foreign travels by senior government officials and prevent officials from undertaking overseas assignments without proper clearance.
Don’t Miss Out! Join our WhatsApp Channel for instant news updates. Click here to join
