FG cracks down on unapproved foreign trips by officials

The Federal Government has moved to tighten controls over overseas travels by public officials, directing ministries, departments and agencies to stop processing related expenses unless prior approval has been secured from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The directive, issued in a circular dated August 13, 2026 and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, was circulated to ministers, the Chief of Staff to the President, heads of federal institutions, service chiefs, permanent secretaries and chief executives of government-owned entities.

The SGF said the measure was necessary because some government appointees had continued to travel abroad on official assignments without obtaining the required clearance.

The circular, referenced PRS59648/S.13/TI/335, stated that “some Federal Government appointees continue to embark on official foreign trips without obtaining prior approval from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, contrary to extant government directives and established administrative procedures.”

The government noted that several circulars had been issued since 2012 to regulate official foreign travel by ministers and other public officials. However, continued breaches of the rules, it said, had undermined efforts to promote accountability, transparency, proper coordination and responsible use of public funds.

Under the new directive, accounting officers, permanent secretaries, chief executive officers and heads of federal agencies must ensure that no payment relating to an official foreign trip is processed without evidence of prior OSGF approval.

The Auditor-General for the Federation has also been directed to demand such approval during audits.

“The Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation shall require every government appointee who undertook an official foreign trip at public expense to produce evidence of the requisite OSGF approval during audit exercises.”

The government further warned that expenses arising from unauthorised foreign trips would be subjected to appropriate reporting under existing financial and audit regulations.

“Any expenditure incurred in respect of official foreign travel undertaken without the required approval shall be reported appropriately in accordance with extant financial regulations and applicable audit procedures.”

The circular also placed additional responsibilities on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry is required to make proof of OSGF approval a mandatory condition for processing Notes Verbales, diplomatic facilitation and visa applications for government officials travelling abroad.

Foreign embassies and missions accredited to Nigeria are equally to be informed that applications for official, diplomatic and service visas by government appointees must carry valid evidence of approval from the OSGF.

The SGF directed all ministers, permanent secretaries, accounting officers and heads of MDAs to ensure full compliance with the new measures.