Reducing high cost of governance

President Bola Tinubu surely has something good that cannot be taken away from him. His sensitivity to the yearnings of the people and his willingness to do the right thing in response to what his people want really stands him out as a leader that can be trusted.

The recent order banning ministers, heads of agencies and other government officials from embarking on public funded foreign trips for the next three months is highly commendable as it is a way to reduce the increasingly high cost of governance in the country.

The three-month ban, in the first instance, which takes effect on April 1, is coming on the heels of President Tinubu’s decision to implement the Oronsanye Report on the merger and reduction of government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, with a committee already inaugurated to work on the implementation.

A letter dated March 12, 2024 and signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had conveyed the instruction of the President.

“Considering the current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management, I am writing to communicate Mr Presideni’s directive to place a temporary ban on all public funded international trips for all Federal Government officials at all levels, for an initial period of three months from April 1, 2024.

“This temporary measure is aimed at cost reduction in governance and intended as a cost-saving measure without compromising government functions.

“All government officials who intend to go on any public funded international trips must seek and obtain Presidential approval at least two weeks prior to embarking on any such trip, which must be deemed absolutely necessary,” the letter stated.

The President had earlier In January given an order for the reduction of the entourage accompanying him on both local and foreign trips, as he instructed that his entourage should not exceed 25 members for local travels and 20 for international trips.

He also mandated security operatives at his destination to handle his protection instead of being accompanied by many security personnel from Abuja.

It is worthy to note that the three-month ban on public-funded trips for the next three months has also been passed down to the staff of the aviation ministry as the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed all agencies and officers under the Ministry to suspend all approved foreign trips with effect from March 21, 2024.

President Tinubu’s recent call on Nigerians to patronise made-in-Nigeria goods to shore up the value of the Naira is also worthy of commendation.

However, if charity must really begin at home on his latest admonition, he must ensure that all Federal Government officials and National Assembly members use locally-assembled vehicles instead of their preference for expensive imported luxury vehicles.