In a bid to ensure prudent management of resources and reduce the cost of governance, President Bola Tinubu has ordered 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 released by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the directive was disclosed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, during a retreat organized for heads of government agencies under the supervision of the State House.
Gbajabiamila emphasized that only authorized officials with specific business at the 79th session of the UNGA should be part of the delegation. This move is in response to recent calls for a reduction in the cost of governance, particularly during international engagements.
The statement read;
“Highlighting the need for the State House and agencies under its supervision to ensure that its functions are guided by 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 are going to see a test of this policy during UNGA in New York. During recent protests, there were talks about reduction in cost of governance. Everyone is waiting to see if Nigeria, as in the past, will send the ‘largest delegation’ to UNGA. From experience, we know that some individuals use the opportunity of such international meetings to go about their personal businesses.
”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 addressed concerns about individuals using such international meetings for personal purposes, stressing that the administration is committed to ensuring that only relevant officials participate in the UNGA.
During the retreat, Gbajabiamila highlighted 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 areas such as procurement, financial reporting, and civil service guidelines.
The retreat, which is expected to be a continuous exercise, aims to foster collaboration and ensure coherence in the implementation of government policies and objectives.
