The House of Representatives deputy chairman on petroleum resources (upstream), Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for slashing the presidential travel entourage by 60%.
Whingan, the House of Representatives member for Badagry Federal Constituency from Lagos State, urge all levels of government—paraphernalia, agencies, and departments to emulate the president, stating the measure by the president is timely and crucial at this critical time of the economy.
The MHR expressed his support for the President during a brief media briefing in Abuja yesterday, January 9th, 2024, shortly after the news of the president’s drastic directive was made public.
“The President’s directive on the slash of the presidency’s entourage for local and foreign trips is a clear indication that this government led by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is prudent and determined to reposition the country from its present economic quagmire.”
“The measure is timely and significant at this critical juncture in our economy. I will urge all levels of government—paraphernalia, agencies, and departments—to emulate Mr. President. This is further proof that the President is aware of Nigerians’ economic hardships and is doing everything he can to help them. “All we need is to be more patient with this government,” Whingan stated in his speech.
In a press release by his spokesman, Ajulari Ngelale, the president stated that there should be an immediate slash in the size of official delegations for foreign and domestic trips by up to 60% of the presidency.
According to him, the new limits will affect travels by the President, Vice President, First Lady, and other top government officials.
For foreign trips, he said Tinubu’s delegation will now be capped at 20 people, down from the previous 50-man delegation.
He said the First Lady’s entourage abroad is restricted to just five members, which is an over 60% reduction.
Ngelale said the Vice President’s foreign delegation will be limited to five as well, while his wife is also restricted to five members.
For domestic trips within Nigeria, he said President Tinubu’s delegation is now capped at 25, the First Lady at 10, the Vice President at 15, and his wife at 10 members.
He also said every minister is limited to having just four members of staff on any foreign trip, while CEOs of government agencies are limited to just two.
Ngelale said the aim was to cut down on wasteful spending and reflect the prudence expected of all Nigerians.
He said the restrictions apply to all government MDAs, including the President and Vice President’s offices.
Ngelale emphasized the President’s insistence that government officials reflect the same fiscal prudence and efficiency as regular citizens.
The presidential spokesman said the secretary to the government of the federation, George Akume, will monitor the implementation of the directive for compliance.
He warned that anyone violating the directive would face consequences.