President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to limit the number of government officials attending the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York to only those with direct roles in the meetings. This decision, announced by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, is part of the administration’s efforts to manage resources more prudently and reduce the cost of governance.
Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, made this known during a retreat organized by the State House management in Abuja. He emphasized that this measure is in response to public concerns over government spending, particularly in the context of international delegations. The directive aims to prevent individuals without official responsibilities from attending the UNGA, a practice that has been criticized in the past.
The retreat, themed “Strengthening Institutional Mechanism for Effective Delivery,” focused on enhancing collaboration and coordination among government agencies under the supervision of the State House. Gbajabiamila stressed the importance of strict compliance with statutes, regulations, and presidential directives to ensure effective service delivery and alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also highlighted the need for continuous governance adjustments, urging leaders to lead by example in adhering to public service rules and policies. The retreat is expected to be a recurring event to foster ongoing improvement in government operations.