President Bola Tinubu has said federal government officials, who have no specific roles to play or without any proof of direct participation cannot attend the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, in New York, United States.
The decision was part of a broader effort to reduce the cost of governance in Nigeria, a statement by Special Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale said.
Specifically, Tinubu directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to freeze the processing of visas for all government officials seeking to travel to New York for the UNGA’s official schedule of activities.
“To prevent any sharp practice in this regard, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria is, accordingly, guided on official visa processing while Nigeria’s Permanent Mission in New York is further directed to prevent and stop the accreditation of any government official, who is not placed on the protocol lists forwarded by the approving authority.
“By this directive of the President, all ministries, departments and agencies are mandated to ensure that all officials, who are approved for inclusion in the UNGA delegation, strictly limit the number of aides and associated staff partaking in the event.
“Where excesses or anomalies in this regard are identified, they will be removed during the final verification process.
“The President wishes to affirm that, henceforth, government officials and government expenditure must reflect the prudence and sacrifice being made by well-meaning Nigerians across the nation,” it added.
The 78th session of the UN General Assembly, UNGA 78, will hold from September 12 to 30, 2023.
