TO reduce the cost of governance, President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to reduce the size of Nigeria’s official delegation to the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings in New York, United States.
Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale in a statement on Saturday said the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed this in Abuja during a one-day retreat organised by the State House management for heads of government agencies under its supervision.
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, Honourable 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,” Gbajabiamila was quoted to have said.
”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 urged heads of agencies at the retreat to comply strictly, adding that the President is listening to the concerns of Nigerians and is committed to addressing them diligently.