Tinubu Orders Reduction In Nigeria’s Delegation To UN

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a major decrease in the size of Nigeria’s delegation to the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States, in an effort to guarantee judicious management of resources and lower the cost of administration.

The directive was revealed to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, by the Chief of Staff during a retreat for heads of government agencies under the State House’s supervision, according to a statement made public by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Advisor to the President on Media & Publicity.

Gbajabiamila underlined that the delegation should consist solely of authorised personnel attending the 79th UNGA session with specific business. This action is a reaction to previous requests for a decrease in the expense of governance, especially when engaging internationally.

The statement read; “Highlighting the need for the State House and agencies under its supervision to ensure that its functions are guided by statutes, regulations, policy decisions and presidential directives, Gbajabiamila hinted at upcoming policy announcements aimed at ensuring efficient service delivery in government operations.

”I just discussed with the President this afternoon. In the next few weeks, we are going to see a test of this policy during UNGA in New York. During recent protests, there were talks about reduction in cost of governance. Everyone is waiting to see if Nigeria, as in the past, will send the ‘largest delegation’ to UNGA. From experience, we know that some individuals use the opportunity of such international meetings to go about their personal businesses.

”I have received a directive from Mr. President that this time, we will be strict. If you have no business at the UN General Assembly, do not step foot in America, and this is a directive from Mr. President.”

Concerns of people leveraging such international gatherings for personal gain were also addressed by the Chief of Staff, who emphasised that the administration is dedicated to making sure that only appropriate personnel attend the UNGA.

Gbajabiamila emphasised at the retreat how crucial it is for government agencies to work together and comply in order to fulfil President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” goals. In particular, he asked agency leaders to set an example for others by following statutes, laws, and regulations pertaining to financial reporting, procurement, and civil service requirements.

The goal of the retreat, which is anticipated to be an ongoing exercise, is to promote cooperation and guarantee consistency in the way government goals and policies are carried out.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli