Nigeria tightens foreign travel rules for government appointees

The Nigerian Federal Government has tightened controls on official foreign travel for ministers, agency heads, and other political appointees. Under a new directive signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, these officials must now obtain prior clearance from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) before undertaking official assignments abroad.

To enforce this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been instructed to require proof of OSGF approval before processing official, diplomatic, or service visas for government appointees. Additionally, ministries, departments, and agencies have been directed to cease processing payments for any official foreign trips undertaken without the necessary prior authorization. The Auditor-General will also scrutinize publicly funded foreign travel to ensure compliance.

While the directive reinforces existing regulations from previous years, the move follows reports of continued non-compliance and concerns regarding individuals presenting themselves as government representatives without proper authorization. The measure is intended to strengthen cost-control and oversight of government-funded international activities.