Sunday, August 18, 2024 -In a bid to ensure prudent management of resources and reduce the cost of governance, President Bola Tinubu has ordered a significant reduction in the size of Nigeria’s delegation to the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.
According to a statement released by
the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Chief Ajuri
Ngelale, the directive was disclosed by the Chief of Staff to the President,
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, during a retreat organized for heads of government
agencies under the supervision of the State House.
Gbajabiamila emphasized that only
authorized officials with specific business at the 79th session of the UNGA
should be part of the delegation. This move is in response to recent calls for
a reduction in the cost of governance, particularly during international
engagements.
The statement read;
“Highlighting the need for the State
House and agencies under its supervision to ensure that its functions are
guided by statutes, regulations, policy decisions and presidential directives,
Gbajabiamila hinted at upcoming policy announcements aimed at ensuring
efficient service delivery in government operations.
”I just discussed with the President this
afternoon. In the next few weeks, we are going to see a test of this policy
during UNGA in New York. During recent protests, there were talks about
reduction in cost of governance. Everyone is waiting to see if Nigeria, as in
the past, will send the ‘largest delegation’ to UNGA. From experience, we know
that some individuals use the opportunity of such international meetings to go
about their personal businesses.
”I have received a directive from Mr. President that this time, we will be
strict. If you have no business at the UN General Assembly, do not step foot in
America, and this is a directive from Mr. President.”
The Chief of Staff also addressed concerns about individuals using such
international meetings for personal purposes, stressing that the administration
is committed to ensuring that only relevant officials participate in the UNGA.
During the retreat, Gbajabiamila
highlighted the importance of coordination and compliance among government
agencies to achieve the objectives of President Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope
Agenda." He urged agency heads to lead by example in adhering to statutes,
laws, and regulations, particularly in areas such as procurement, financial
reporting, and civil service guidelines.
The retreat, which is expected to be a
continuous exercise, aims to foster collaboration and ensure coherence in the
implementation of government policies and objectives.
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