FG Bars Ministers and Agency Heads from Foreign Trips Without SGF Approval

The Federal Government has ordered ministers, heads of MDAs, and other appointees to obtain SGF approval before undertaking official foreign trips.

The government issued a directive through a circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, which states that officials must follow existing regulations for international travel.

The circular, titled “Non-Compliance by Government Appointees with the Requirement for OSGF Approval for Official Foreign Trips and the Mandatory Inclusion of OSGF Approval in the Processing of Official Visas,” highlighted that some officials continue to travel without proper clearance from the OSGF.

Akume emphasized that such actions violate established procedures and undermine efforts to promote accountability, transparency, coordination, and the responsible management of public resources.

“Despite these directives, instances of non-compliance continue to be recorded,” the SGF said. He added that all official trips abroad must still get prior approval from the OSGF unless law or specific presidential directives state otherwise.

This directive applies to ministers, ministers of state, agency heads, permanent secretaries, service chiefs, directors-general, chief executives of government institutions, and other public officials.

Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been instructed to require proof of valid OSGF approval when processing travel documents, including visas for government officials.

The ministry must also inform foreign missions and embassies in Nigeria that officials need to provide proof of approval when applying for official travel documentation.

The government further directed the Office of the Auditor-General to request evidence of OSGF approval during audits of officials traveling internationally on public funds.

According to the circular, any expenses from unauthorized trips will be scrutinized following financial regulations and audit procedures. Accounting officers, permanent secretaries, and heads of government agencies must not approve payments for foreign trips without the necessary approval.

The SGF stated that this move aims to strengthen fiscal discipline and improve coordination of official international engagements. It also references previous guidelines on foreign travel issued from 2012 to 2023, noting that the new directive enforces compliance with existing rules.

This directive is effective immediately and underscores the government’s commitment to controlling expenses and ensuring proper procedures for official foreign engagements by public officials.