BREAKING: Tinubu trims FG delegation to UNGA, blocks officials ‘without proof of participation’

President Bola Tinubu has directed the ministry of foreign
Affairs to freeze the processing of visas for government officials who have no
business at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

A statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the
president on media and publicity, said the move is in line “with a broader
effort to reduce the cost of governance in Nigeria”.

Government officials without proof of direct participation
in UNGA’s official schedule of activities have been barred from making the
trip, he said.

“To prevent any sharp practice in this regard, the U.S.
Mission in Nigeria is accordingly guided on official visa processing while
Nigeria’s Permanent Mission in New York is further directed to prevent and stop
the accreditation of any government official who is not placed on the protocol
lists forwarded by the approving authority,” the statement reads.

 “By this directive of
the President, all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies are mandated to
ensure that all officials, who are approved for inclusion in the UNGA
delegation, strictly limit the number of aides and associated staff partaking in
the event.

“Where excesses or anomalies in this regard are identified,
they will be removed during the final verification process.

“The President wishes to affirm that, henceforth, government
officials and government expenditure must reflect the prudence and sacrifice
being made by well-meaning Nigerians across the nation.”

The 78th session of the UNGA will open on Tuesday, September
5, 2023.