BREAKING: Tinubu blocks non-essential UNGA trips by Nigerian officials

President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ordering the cessation of visa processing for government officials planning to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The directive, received this afternoon, is a pivotal element of a broader strategy aimed at curbing governance expenses in Nigeria, according to a statement by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale.

The statement also specified that this directive applies particularly to government officials who lack evidence of direct involvement in the official UNGA schedule of activities.

To ensure transparency and prevent any potential misconduct, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria has been apprised of the official visa processing guidelines. Additionally, Nigeria’s Permanent Mission in New York has been instructed to halt the accreditation of any government official not listed in the protocol records provided by the appropriate authority.

The statement emphasized the need for strict adherence to the directive. It read, “Under this Presidential instruction, all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are obligated to ensure that officials included in the UNGA delegation limit the number of aides and support staff participating in the event. Any excesses or irregularities will be rectified during the final verification process.”

The President’s statement concluded with an assertion that moving forward, government officials and expenses must reflect the prudence and sacrifices made by citizens across Nigeria.