The Federal Government has imposed strict new controls on official foreign travel by ministers, heads of ministries, departments, agencies, and other appointees.
Effective immediately, no government official may embark on an official foreign trip without prior approval from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to require proof of this approval before processing any official travel documents, such as official, diplomatic, or service visas.
This directive, announced in a circular signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, comes in response to growing concerns about unauthorised individuals and agencies engaging in foreign activities in Nigeria’s name, triggered by recent controversies over claims of government representation.
The circular, titled Non-Compliance by Government Appointees with the Requirement for OSGF Approval for Official Foreign Trips and the Mandatory Inclusion of OSGF Approval in the Processing of Official Visas, notes that despite previous directives, some officials have continued to travel abroad without the necessary clearance.
The government cited longstanding policies designed to ensure accountability, fiscal discipline, and effective coordination of government business.
Specific references were made to several past circulars, ranging from 2012 to 2023, all aimed at curbing unauthorised travel and promoting prudent management of public funds. Nonetheless, non-compliance persists, undermining transparency and proper oversight of official foreign engagements.
To address this, the government’s latest directive:
- Reaffirms that all official foreign trips by government appointees must be approved in advance by the OSGF, unless otherwise permitted by law or Presidential directive.
- Mandates that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs require evidence of OSGF approval in all applications for travel documentation, and communicate this requirement to foreign missions and embassies.
- Assigns the Office of the Auditor-General responsibility for ensuring compliance, requiring officials to present OSGF approval during audits.
- Warns that public funds spent on unauthorised trips will be scrutinised and must comply with financial regulations.
- Directs accounting officers and heads of agencies to ensure that no expenses for foreign travel are processed without the requisite approval.
- Instructs all ministers, permanent secretaries, and heads of ministries, departments, and agencies to enforce strict compliance with these rules.
The circular was widely distributed to senior government officials across federal ministries, agencies, security services, regulatory bodies, and government-owned companies, underscoring the comprehensive scope of the directive.
This move is expected to strengthen oversight of official foreign engagements, prevent abuse of government representation, and ensure that only duly authorised officials travel on behalf of Nigeria.
