Why Tinubu Barred Non-Official Staff From Attending Unga

Bola Tinubu directs that only relevant officials should travel as delegates to the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA.

Ngelale, the President's Media and Publicity Adviser issued a statement directing the reduction of governance costs in the country.

The president ordered the Foreign Affairs Ministry to halt visa processing for officials without proof of direct UNGA participation.

"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 said.

The president ordered strict limits on aides and staff for UNGA delegations across Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

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

The president emphasized that government officials and expenditures should reflect the prudence and sacrifice of well-meaning Nigerians.

Some Nigerians welcomed the directive, stating it is a necessary step to save money.

Others have expressed concern that it will prevent Nigerian officials from engaging with their counterparts from other countries.