The Federal Government has moved to tighten control over official foreign travels by senior government officials, making prior clearance from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) compulsory before such trips can take place.
Under the new directive, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must demand proof of OSGF approval before processing official, diplomatic or service visas for ministers, agency heads and other government appointees travelling on government business.
The measure is contained in a circular signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, made available to VVCWATCH on Tuesday said the government was concerned that some appointees were still travelling abroad officially without obtaining the required approval.
Akume said the practice was affecting government coordination, accountability and proper control of public funds, despite several earlier directives on official travels. He therefore directed ministries, departments and agencies to ensure that no official foreign trip is undertaken without the required clearance, except where specifically authorised by law or presidential directive.
The new rule also places responsibility on Nigerian diplomatic missions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to ensure that requests for official travel facilitation and visas are backed by valid OSGF approval and to notify foreign missions accredited to Nigeria of the requirement.
Government officials who travel abroad at public expense without the necessary clearance will also face financial scrutiny. The Auditor-General for the Federation is to demand evidence of approval during audits, while expenses linked to unauthorised trips are to be reported in line with financial regulations.
The directive takes immediate effect and covers ministers, permanent secretaries, security chiefs, heads of agencies and other top government officials. It comes amid heightened attention over the activities of individuals presenting themselves as government representatives abroad, reinforcing the government’s effort to establish clearer control over who undertakes official foreign engagements in Nigeria’s name.
