No More Jamboree At UNGA – Tinubu Warns
- Says only authorized officials will attend event
President Bola Tinubu says the days of sponsoring an oversized delegation to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings with public funds are now gone for good
Consequently, the President has directed that only a slim team would constitute Nigeria’s official party to the forthcoming UNGA meetings in New York, United States.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, conveyed the presidential directive to participants during a one-day retreat in Abuja organised by the State House management for Heads of government agencies under its supervision.
He said the decision to streamline the country’s delegation to the 79th session of UNGA in September is part of the administration’s commitment to ensure prudent management of resources and reduce the cost of governance.
Gbajabiamila, who stressed the need for the State House and agencies under its control to ensure their functions are properly guided by statutes, regulations, policy decisions, and presidential directives, hinted at upcoming policy announcements meant to ensure efficient service delivery in government operations.
According to him, having discussed with the President, the new policy will come into effect within the next few weeks as Nigeria prepares for UNGA in New York.
He said; “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”.
The Chief of Staff tasked Heads of agencies at the retreat to comply strictly, adding that the President is listening to the concerns of Nigerians and is committed to addressing them diligently.
Commenting on the retreat, Gbajabiamila said it is meant to facilitate collaboration and coordination among government agencies, particularly those under the direct supervision of the State House.
”The idea is to ensure coherence as we jointly work together to achieve the objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
”Coordination is not just a choice but a necessity for the government to succeed and for us to meet the expectations of the Nigerian people”.
