FG Tightens Foreign Travel Rules, Ministers, DGs Must Get OSGF Approval

The Federal Government has introduced stricter measures for official foreign trips by ministers, directors-general and other government appointees, making prior approval from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation compulsory.

The directive means government officials will no longer be allowed to embark on official foreign trips without first obtaining the required clearance from the OSGF.

The new rule was contained in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and issued to ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of government agencies and other senior officials.

Under the directive, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must demand evidence of valid OSGF approval before processing official travel documents for government appointees.

The requirement covers official, diplomatic and service visa applications, as well as requests for Notes Verbales and other forms of diplomatic facilitation.

The Federal Government said the measure was necessary because some officials had continued to travel abroad on government business without obtaining the required approval.

According to the government, the practice undermines accountability, transparency, proper coordination and prudent management of public funds.

The Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation has also been directed to demand evidence of OSGF approval from officials who undertake foreign trips at public expense during audit exercises.

The government further warned that expenses incurred on unauthorised foreign trips would be subjected to appropriate financial and audit procedures.

Accounting officers, permanent secretaries, chief executive officers and heads of government agencies have equally been instructed not to process payments for official foreign trips unless the required approval has been obtained.

The directive takes immediate effect and reinforces the Federal Government’s effort to bring official foreign travel under tighter control while ensuring that public funds are used responsibly.

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