The Nigerian government has issued a fresh order requiring Ministers, security chiefs, heads of government agencies and other Federal Government appointees to obtain prior approval from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) before embarking on official foreign trips.
The Tinubu administration had in many occasions issued similar directives that was either not implemented or complied with.
However, in a new circular signed by the SGF, George Akume, and addressed to top government officials and heads of federal institutions, the FG directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make evidence of valid OSGF approval, where applicable, a mandatory requirement for processing official travel documentation and diplomatic facilitation for government appointees.
The circular, which takes immediate effect, followed concerns that some government appointees had continued to embark on official foreign trips without obtaining the required clearance from the OSGF.
“Non-Compliance by Government Appointees with the Requirement for OSGF Approval for Official Foreign Trips and the Mandatory Inclusion of OSGF Approval in the Processing of Official Visas,” the circular expressed concern over the continued violation of existing government regulations governing official foreign travel.
The SGF stated, “It has been observed with concern that some Federal Government Appointees continue to embark on official foreign trips without obtaining prior approval from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), contrary to extant government directives and established administrative procedures regulating official travels outside the country.”
The circular recalled that the Federal Government had issued several directives over the years aimed at regulating official foreign travel by ministers, heads of ministries, departments and agencies, boards, committees and other public officials.
According to the government, the guidelines were introduced “with a view to promoting accountability, fiscal discipline and effective coordination of Government business.”
Among the directives referenced in the latest circular is the September 18, 2023 circular titled “Guidelines for Official Travels by Cabinet Members, Heads of Agencies and Public Officials.”
The government also cited a March 31, 2015 circular titled “Guidelines for Official Trips by Chairmen of Federal Government Committees, Boards of Corporations and Government-Owned Companies.”
Other directives referenced include the September 27, 2017 circular on “Additional Cost Control Measures to Guide Foreign Trips by Ministers and Senior Government Officials”; the March 8, 2018 circular titled “Observed Indifferent Adherence to Extant Regulations Guiding the Conduct of Foreign Trips by Public Officials”; and the November 20, 2012 circular on “Further Cost-Cutting Measures and Fiscal Prudence on Travel by Cabinet Members.”
Despite the series of directives issued by successive administrations, the SGF said cases of non-compliance with the rules had persisted.
The government warned that such violations had implications beyond individual officials’ travels, particularly for the coordination and administration of Federal Government business.
“This trend undermines Government’s efforts to ensure proper coordination, accountability, transparency, prudent management of public resources and effective monitoring of official foreign engagements undertaken on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
The Federal Government, however, reaffirmed that prior approval from the OSGF remains mandatory for official foreign trips by government appointees.
“Accordingly, all official foreign trips undertaken by Federal Government appointees shall continue to require prior approval from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation before such trips are undertaken, except where otherwise expressly provided by law or by specific Presidential directive.”
