President Bola Tinubu has decided that only the right officials can go to the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings in New York, USA.
This move is to cut down on expenses, something many Nigerians have been asking for.
This was shared in a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser, on August 17, 2024. The statement was titled “PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS THAT ONLY AUTHORIZED OFFICIALS WITH BUSINESS AT UNGA SHOULD ATTEND.”
Everyone Wants Lower Government Spending
Not too long ago, Nigerians were upset because many delegates went with the President to the COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai, UAE.
Jideofor Adibe, a political science professor, said that the 1,411 Nigerians who went to the summit made people doubt the government’s care for those who are struggling.
Tinubu’s New Rule
President Tinubu has told his team to reduce the number of people going to the next UNGA meeting.
Femi Gbajabiamila, the President’s Chief of Staff, announced this in Abuja during a State House retreat for government agency leaders.
He said this plan is part of President Tinubu’s promise to cut costs, as Nigerians have asked.
He explained:
“I spoke with the President today. In the next few weeks, we will see how this plan works at UNGA in New York.
“During recent protests, people talked about cutting government costs. Everyone is watching to see if Nigeria will still send a huge group to UNGA.
“We know some people use these international meetings to do personal business. I have orders from the President to be strict. If you don’t have official work at the UN, don’t go to America. This is the President’s rule.”
Working Together
Gbajabiamila asked different government agencies to work together, especially those connected to the State House.
“We need to be united to make President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda succeed. Teamwork is necessary for us to meet what Nigerians expect from the government,” he said, quoting Ajuri.
He mentioned that everyone should follow the Public Procurement Act, the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, the Finance Act, and other important laws.
He also said it’s important to obey civil service rules about hiring, promotions, and getting President’s approvals.
If the government cuts down the number of delegates for UNGA, it would meet one of the main demands of Nigerians.