In a groundbreaking move, President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, putting an end to the visa processing of government officials who intend to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The objective behind this directive, which was announced by Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s media aide, is part of a comprehensive plan to reduce the cost of governance in Nigeria.
Specifically, the directive applies to government officials who cannot provide evidence of their direct participation in UNGA’s official schedule of activities.
Concerned with preventing any potential misuse of this decision, the presidency has also guided the U.S. Mission in Nigeria regarding the official visa processing, while the Nigeria’s Permanent Mission in New York has been instructed to obstruct the accreditation of any government official who is not listed in the protocol authorized by the approving authority.
“By issuing this directive, the President has mandated all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to enforce strict limitations on the number of aides and associated staff accompanying officials approved for inclusion in the UNGA delegation. Any excesses or anomalies identified during the final verification process will be rectified,” the statement asserted.
The President emphasizes that henceforth, government officials and expenditure must mirror the prudence and sacrifice being made by conscientious Nigerians throughout the nation.
