President Bola Tinubu has directed a reduction in the size of Nigeria’s official delegation to the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, this September.
This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled ‘President Tinubu directs that only authorised officials with business at UNGA should attend.’
According to the statement, Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, revealed the directive on Saturday in Abuja during a one-day retreat organised by the State House management for heads of government agencies under its supervision.
Addressing participants at the retreat, the Chief of Staff said, “During recent protests, there were talks about reduction in the cost of governance. Everyone is waiting to see if Nigeria, as in the past, will send the ‘largest delegation’ to UNGA.
According to the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, “Mr. President has given a directive that only authorized officials with business at UNGA should attend. If you have no business at the UN General Assembly, do not step foot in America.”
Gbajabiamila stated that the decision aims to ensure prudent management of resources and reduce the cost of governance, adding that the President is committed to addressing the concerns of Nigerians diligently.
He emphasized the need for heads of agencies to comply strictly, saying, “Coordination is not just a choice but a necessity for the government to succeed and meet the expectations of the Nigerian people.”
The Chief of Staff also hinted at upcoming policy announcements aimed at ensuring efficient service delivery in government operations, stating, “In the next few weeks, we are going to see a test of this policy during UNGA in New York.”
