President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive requiring a significant reduction in official entourage at both local and international events.
Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson, made this known on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the State House in Abuja.
The directive, which results in a 60% cut, applies to the President’s, Vice President’s, and First Lady’s offices, as well as ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
According to him, the President, Vice President, and First Lady will now be accompanied by 20, 5, and 5 officials, respectively, on foreign trips, while the President will be accompanied by 25 officials and the Vice President and First Lady by 15 and 10 officials, respectively, on domestic trips.
“Tinubu has directed that all state entourages be drastically reduced,” Ngelale said.
“The office of the president and staff will be affected. VP, appointees are affected. By this directive, there will be a slashing of expenditure on official travel by 60 percent,” Ngelale said.
Ajuri noted that ministers are now limited to a maximum of four staff members, while CEOs of agencies can only travel with two staff members on international travel.
