- President Bola Tinubu warns officials only to attend the UN General Assembly if they have official business, promoting resource management
- Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila emphasizes the need for compliance, stating the directive reflects the administration’s commitment to reducing governance costs
President Bola Tinubu has warned government officials and agency heads sternly, advising that only those with official business at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York should travel to the United States.
This directive was communicated by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, during a one-day retreat organized by the State House management for heads of government agencies under its supervision on Saturday.
Gbajabiamila emphasized that this decision to streamline Nigeria’s delegation to the 79th session of UNGA in September is a part of the administration’s commitment to prudent resource management and reducing the cost of governance.
Addressing participants at the retreat, Gbajabiamila underscored the importance of ensuring that statutes, regulations, policy decisions, and presidential directives guide the State House’s and its agencies’ functions. He also hinted at upcoming policy announcements to enhance efficiency in government operations.
“I just discussed this with the President this afternoon. In the next few weeks, we will see this policy tested during the UNGA in New York,” Gbajabiamila said.
He noted that during recent protests, there were calls to reduce the cost of governance, and many are watching to see if Nigeria will again send one of the “largest delegations” to UNGA. He acknowledged that in the past, some individuals have used such international meetings as opportunities for personal business.
“I have received a directive from Mr. President that we will be strict this time. If you have no business at the UN General Assembly, do not step foot in America. This is a directive from Mr. President,” he stated.
The Chief of Staff urged the heads of agencies to comply with this directive, noting that the President is attuned to Nigerians’ concerns and committed to addressing them.
Regarding the retreat, Gbajabiamila mentioned that it aims to facilitate collaboration and coordination among government agencies, especially those directly supervised by the State House. “The idea is to ensure coherence as we work together to achieve the objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Coordination is not just a choice but a necessity for the government to succeed and meet the expectations of the Nigerian people,” he explained.
He added that the retreat would be a continuous exercise, as governance is an evolving process that requires regular adjustments.
Gbajabiamila also called on the State House management and agency chief executives to lead by example in adhering to statutes, laws, regulations, and policies designed to enhance governance.
“We must demonstrate excellence in our compliance with the Public Procurement Act, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, the Finance Act, and various appropriation acts in operation. Compliance with civil service rules and the scheme of service guidelines, particularly regarding recruitment, promotion, and presidential approvals, is also non-negotiable,” Gbajabiamila concluded.
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