President Bola Tinubu has directed that only authorized government officials with official duties at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York should attend the event.
This directive, aimed at reducing Nigeria’s delegation size, was announced by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, during a retreat for heads of government agencies under State House supervision in Abuja.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the decision to streamline the delegation for the 79th UNGA session in September reflects the administration’s commitment to prudent resource management and lowering the cost of governance.
Gbajabiamila emphasized that President Tinubu is responsive to the concerns of Nigerians and is determined to address them effectively. He stated, “I spoke with the President this afternoon, and we will see this policy tested during UNGA in New York. There have been calls to reduce the cost of governance, and all eyes are on Nigeria to see if we will send the ‘largest delegation’ to UNGA as in the past.”
He further noted that, in the past, some individuals have used such international meetings for personal business. However, Tinubu has issued a firm directive: “If you have no official business at the UN General Assembly, do not step foot in America.”
Regarding the retreat, Gbajabiamila highlighted its importance in fostering collaboration and coordination among government agencies, particularly those directly under the State House’s supervision. He stressed that this retreat would be an ongoing exercise, as governance is a continuous process requiring regular updates and adjustments.
He also called on the State House management and heads of agencies to lead by example in complying with statutes, laws, regulations, and policies designed to enhance governance. Gbajabiamila added, “We must work together to achieve the objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Coordination is not just a choice but a necessity for government success and meeting the expectations of the Nigerian people.”
Furthermore, he urged strict adherence to the Public Procurement Act, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, the Finance Act, and relevant appropriation acts. Compliance with civil service rules, especially regarding recruitment, promotion, and presidential approvals, was also emphasized as non-negotiable.
