President Bola Tinubu has directed a significant reduction in the size of Nigeria’s official delegation to the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) set to take place in New York this September.
This directive was announced by Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday during a one-day retreat organized by the State House management in Abuja. The retreat, which focused on strengthening institutional mechanisms for effective delivery, gathered heads of government agencies under the supervision of the State House.
The announcement was also detailed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled “President Tinubu Directs That Only Authorized Officials with Business at UNGA Should Attend.”
During his address at the retreat, Gbajabiamila emphasized that the directive is part of the administration’s commitment to prudent resource management and reducing the cost of governance. He noted that in the past, Nigeria had been criticized for sending excessively large delegations to international meetings, with some individuals using these opportunities for personal business.
“From experience, we know that some individuals use the opportunity of such international meetings to go about their personal businesses,” Gbajabiamila said. “I have received a directive from Mr. President that this time, we will be strict. If you have no business at the UN General Assembly, do not step foot in America, and this is a directive from Mr. President.”
The Chief of Staff also hinted at forthcoming policy announcements aimed at ensuring efficient service delivery in government operations. He urged heads of agencies to adhere strictly to this directive, stressing that the President is keenly aware of and responsive to the concerns of Nigerians.
Gbajabiamila highlighted the importance of collaboration and coordination among government agencies, particularly those under the State House’s direct supervision, to achieve the objectives of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He added that the retreat would be a continuous exercise to facilitate regular adjustments in governance.
He also called on the State House management and agency leaders to lead by example in complying with relevant statutes, laws, and regulations, including the Public Procurement Act, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, and various appropriation acts.
“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,” Gbajabiamila stated. “Compliance with the civil service rules and the scheme of service guidelines, especially regarding recruitment, promotion and presidential approvals is also non-negotiable.”
