Buhari Introduces Cost-Saving Measures To MDAs

President Muhammadu Buhari has introduced a number cost saving measures to all government agencies across the country.

This was revealed in a statement by the Director Information, office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, on Wednesday.

He noted that the president’s decision was aimed at installing financial discipline especially in the areas of foreign trips by government officials, adding that the implementation was to take immediate effect.

The new directive from the president now requires government ministries to file in their yearly travel plan to the office of SGF for approval or office of the head of civil service commission.

He said “Henceforth, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are required to submit their Yearly Travel Plans for statutory meetings and engagements to the office of the SGF.

“And/or the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation for express clearance within the first quarter of the fiscal year, before implementation.”

Basset noted that all foreign trips must be essential and beneficial to the country, adding that, government officials are required to provides beneficial proof of such trips.

He said “In this regard, all foreign travels must be for highly essential statutory engagements that are beneficial to the interest of the country.

“Except with the express approval of Mr President, Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Chairmen of Extra-Ministerial Departments, Chief Executive Officers and Directors are restricted to not more than two (2) foreign travels in a quarter.”

He also stressed that the size of Ministerial delegation in regards to foreign trips has been limited to a maximum of four delegates. While delegates below ministerial level was limited to a maximum of three delegates.

“Also, when a Minister is at the head of an official delegation, the size of such delegation shall not exceed four (4) including the relevant Director, Schedule Officer and one (1) Aide of the Minister.

“Every other delegation below ministerial level shall be restricted to a maximum of three (3),” Bassey said.

He also revealed that Buhari had approved Class of Air Travels for Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants to the President, Chairmen of Extra-Ministerial Departments. Adding that, foreign trips would no longer attract payment of ‘Estacode Allowance’.

He said “Also, travel days will no longer attract payment of `Estacode Allowances` as the duration of official trips shall be limited to only the number of days of the event as contained in the supporting documents to qualify for public funding.”