President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to reduce the size of Nigeria's official delegation to the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings in New York, United States.
This directive was disclosed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday in Abuja during a one-day retreat organised by the State House management for heads of government agencies under his supervision.
Addressing participants at the retreat, the Chief of Staff said the decision to streamline Nigeria’s delegation to the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September is part of the administration’s commitment to ensure prudent management of resources and reduce the cost of governance.
Stressing the need for the State House and agencies under its supervision to ensure that their functions are guided by statutes, regulations, policy decisions and presidential directives, Mr. Gbajabiamila hinted at upcoming policy announcements aimed at ensuring efficient service delivery in government operations.
I just spoke with the President this afternoon. In the coming weeks, we will see a test of this policy during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
During the recent protests, there was talk of reducing the costs of governance. Everyone is waiting to see whether Nigeria, as in the past, will send the “largest delegation” to the United Nations General Assembly.
“We know from experience that some people take advantage of these international meetings to discuss personal matters.
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“I have received an order from Mr. President that this time we will be strict. If you have nothing to do in the UN General Assembly, do not set foot in the United States, and this is an order from Mr. President,” he said.
The Chief of Staff urged the heads of agencies at the retreat to comply strictly, adding that the President is listening to the concerns of Nigerians and is committed to addressing them diligently.
During the retreat, Mr. Gbajabiamila noted that he will facilitate collaboration and coordination among government agencies, particularly those under the direct supervision of the State House.
“The idea is to ensure coherence as we work together to achieve the objectives of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Coordination is not just an option but a necessity for the success of the government and for us to meet the expectations of the Nigerian people,” he said.
He said the withdrawal would be an ongoing exercise as governance is an evolving process that requires regular adjustments.
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The Chief of Staff also urged the State House administration and the chief executives of agencies under their supervision to set an example by ensuring compliance with statutes, laws, regulations and various policies designed to improve governance.
“We must demonstrate excellence in our compliance with the Public Procurement Act, the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, the Finance Act and various appropriation laws in force.
“Compliance with civil service regulations and the service guidelines scheme, especially as they relate to recruitment, promotion and presidential approvals, is also non-negotiable,” said Hon. Gbajabiamila.
The theme of the one-day retreat was “Strengthening the institutional mechanism for effective delivery.”
Ajuri Ngelale
Special Advisor to the President
(Media and Advertising)