President Tinubu Orders Reduction in Nigeria's UNGA Delegation to Cut Governance Costs

 

In a move aimed at ensuring prudent resource management and reducing the cost of governance, President Bola Tinubu has mandated a significant reduction in the size of Nigeria’s delegation to the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.

According to a statement from Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, this directive was announced by the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, during a retreat organized for heads of government agencies under the State House's supervision.

Gbajabiamila emphasized that only officials with specific roles and responsibilities at the 79th session of the UNGA will be part of the delegation. This decision responds to recent demands for reducing the cost of governance, especially concerning international engagements.

The statement read:

“Highlighting the need for the State House and its supervised agencies to operate within the framework of statutes, regulations, policy decisions, and presidential directives, Gbajabiamila hinted at upcoming policy announcements aimed at ensuring efficient service delivery in government operations.

“I just discussed with the President this afternoon. In the next few weeks, we will see a test of this policy during the UNGA in New York. During recent protests, there were calls for reducing the cost of governance. Everyone is waiting to see if Nigeria, as in the past, will send the ‘largest delegation’ to the UNGA. From experience, we know that some individuals use such international meetings for personal business.

“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 addressed concerns about individuals exploiting such international meetings for personal purposes, underscoring the administration’s commitment to ensuring that only relevant officials attend the UNGA.

During the retreat, Gbajabiamila underscored the importance of coordination and compliance among government agencies to achieve the objectives of President Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope Agenda." He urged agency heads to lead by example in adhering to statutes, laws, and regulations, particularly in procurement, financial reporting, and civil service guidelines.

The retreat, intended to be a continuous exercise, aims to foster collaboration and ensure coherence in implementing government policies and objectives.