The Federal Government has tightened rules for official foreign travel, making preapproval from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) mandatory for all Ministers and Senior officials.
The directive, issued in a circular dated August 13 and signed by the SGF George Akume, aims to centralise travel authorisations and curb unsanctioned trips amid concerns over cost and coordination.
The circular, with reference number PRS59648/S.13/TI/335, restated the requirement for government officials undertaking official foreign trips to obtain clearance from the OSGF.
It covers Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers, and Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, among other government appointees.
The SGF directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to require evidence of OSGF approval before processing official visas, Notes Verbales and other diplomatic facilitation.
The circular stated that the requirement is aimed at ensuring that “all official foreign travels” are properly authorised before government officials leave the country.
It also directed accounting officers and heads of MDAs to ensure that approval is obtained before processing expenditure connected with official foreign trips.
The Auditor-General for the Federation was equally directed to demand evidence of approval when auditing official foreign travels undertaken at public expense.
The circular warned that expenses incurred on foreign trips without the required approval would be subjected to scrutiny in line with applicable financial regulations.
The directive effectively ties official foreign travel to three stages of government control: diplomatic facilitation, release of public funds and subsequent audit verification.
The SGF further recalled earlier government circulars on official foreign travels, stressing the need for all affected officials and institutions to comply with the established approval procedures.
The circular takes immediate effect and directs all relevant government officials and institutions to comply, reinforcing the OSGF’s authority over official foreign travel and government expenditure.
