The Federal Government has introduced a new approval requirement for official foreign trips by ministers and directors-general of government agencies, as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and reduce unnecessary public expenditure.
Under the new directive, ministers and heads of government agencies will be required to obtain prior approval from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation before embarking on official international trips.
The measure is aimed at ensuring that foreign travels undertaken with public funds are properly justified and aligned with government priorities. It also seeks to improve coordination among government officials and prevent situations where multiple officials travel abroad for overlapping or non-essential engagements.
The directive comes amid the Federal Government’s broader push for fiscal discipline and more effective management of public resources. Government spending has remained a major focus of economic reforms as authorities seek to reduce waste while directing limited resources towards priority sectors.
According to reports, the new requirement will affect ministers and directors-general, with the government expected to scrutinise the purpose, necessity and cost of proposed international trips before approval is granted.
The development could also lead to closer monitoring of official travel allowances, delegation sizes and the number of foreign engagements attended by government representatives.
The Federal Government has repeatedly emphasised the need for public officials to demonstrate greater responsibility in the use of taxpayers’ money, particularly as Nigerians continue to face economic pressures.
The latest directive therefore signals a further attempt to place government travel under tighter administrative and financial controls.
