The Federal Government has directed ministers, heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and other senior government officials to obtain prior approval from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) before embarking on official foreign trips.
The directive was issued in a circular signed by the SGF, Senator George Akume, following concerns over continued non-compliance with existing regulations on official foreign travel.
Directive Covers Senior Government Officials
The new directive applies to ministers, ministers of state, heads of government agencies, permanent secretaries, service chiefs, directors-general, chief executives of government institutions and other public officials.
According to the circular, officials are required to secure approval from the Office of the SGF before traveling abroad on official assignments, except where otherwise permitted by law or specifically authorized by the President.
The SGF said continued violations of the requirement undermine efforts to promote accountability, transparency, coordination and prudent management of public resources.
Foreign Affairs Ministry to Verify Approvals
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to make proof of valid SGF approval a mandatory requirement when processing official, diplomatic and service visa applications for government officials.
The ministry is also expected to notify foreign missions and embassies accredited to Nigeria about the requirement where applicable.
Unauthorized Trips Face Audit Scrutiny
The government further directed the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation to request evidence of SGF approval when auditing officials who traveled abroad using public funds.
Any expenditure incurred on unauthorized foreign trips will be subjected to scrutiny in line with financial regulations and applicable audit procedures.
Accounting officers, permanent secretaries and heads of government institutions have also been instructed not to process payments for official foreign trips without the required approval.
FG Moves to Strengthen Fiscal Discipline
The government said the measure is aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline and improving coordination of official foreign engagements.
The circular referenced previous guidelines on official foreign travel issued between 2012 and 2023, stating that the latest directive is intended to enforce compliance with existing rules.
The directive takes immediate effect.
