The Federal Government has introduced stricter measures for official foreign travels by ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of government agencies and other political appointees.
According to The PUNCH, under the new directive, government officials must obtain prior clearance from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation before embarking on official trips outside Nigeria.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also been directed to demand proof of the approval before processing official travel documents, including diplomatic, official and service visas for government appointees.
The directive was contained in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and circulated to senior government officials and heads of federal institutions.
The move follows concerns over individuals and organisations allegedly presenting themselves as authorised representatives of the Federal Government, particularly amid the controversy surrounding the self-styled Director-General of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi.
However, the new directive applies broadly to government appointees and is not limited to the controversy involving the purported council.
In the circular, Akume said the government had observed that some officials were still travelling abroad on official assignments without obtaining the required clearance.
He said such conduct was contrary to existing government regulations governing official foreign travel.
The SGF explained that the travel approval system was designed to promote accountability, control public expenditure and ensure proper coordination of government activities.
According to him, “Despite these directives, instances of non-compliance continue to be recorded.”
Akume warned that unauthorised official trips could undermine transparency and prudent management of public resources.
He therefore reaffirmed that “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 the law or a specific presidential directive provides otherwise.
As part of the enforcement measures, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is required to make valid OSGF approval part of the documentation for official foreign travel.
The circular stated that the ministry should include proof of approval when processing requests for official Notes Verbales, diplomatic facilitation and other applications connected with official foreign trips.
Foreign missions and embassies accredited to Nigeria are also to be formally informed of the new requirement.
The government further directed the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation to verify compliance during audit exercises.
Officials who undertake publicly funded foreign trips will be required to produce evidence of the necessary approval when requested during audits.
The government also warned that expenditure incurred on unauthorised trips could be reported under existing financial and audit regulations.
Accounting officers, permanent secretaries and heads of government agencies have consequently been instructed not to approve or process public funds for official foreign travel where the required OSGF clearance has not been obtained.
The circular directed that, “Accounting Officers, Permanent Secretaries, Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Federal Government Agencies shall ensure that no expenditure relating to official foreign travel by government appointees is processed unless the requisite OSGF approval has first been obtained.”
The directive covers a wide range of officials, including ministers, security chiefs, heads of regulatory and anti-corruption agencies, senior political appointees, permanent secretaries and chief executives of government-owned companies.
The SGF directed all affected officials and institutions to ensure strict compliance, stressing that the measure takes immediate effect.
The government said the tighter approval process was aimed at strengthening oversight of official foreign engagements, preventing unauthorised representation of Nigeria abroad and ensuring that public funds used for foreign travel are properly accounted for.
