President Bola Tinubu has ordered that only officials with official duties should be part of Nigeria’s delegation to the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. This directive is part of a broader effort by the administration to manage resources prudently and reduce unnecessary expenses associated with governance.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the president on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the directive was made public same day by the Chief of Staff to the President, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, during a one-day retreat held in Abuja. The retreat, organized by the State House management, brought together heads of government agencies under the supervision of the State House.
The next United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session, the 79th, will begin on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. The general debate, where world leaders deliver their statements, usually starts a week later. This annual event takes place at the UN Headquarters in New York City.
Gbajabiamila explained that the decision to streamline Nigeria’s delegation to the 79th session of UNGA in September aligns with the administration’s focus on cost-effective governance and the prudent use of national resources.
Tinubu’s directive is seen as a response to growing public concern about the size and cost of Nigeria’s delegations to international events. In previous years, Nigeria has often sent large delegations to the UNGA, raising questions about the necessity and cost of such practices. This time government appears determined to ensure that only those with specific, official roles at the UNGA will be allowed to attend this year.
Gbajabiamila highlighted that the President’s decision is not only a reflection of the administration’s commitment to reducing the cost of governance but also a response to the recent protests across the country. The protests have brought attention to the high cost of governance, with citizens demanding that the government take concrete steps to address the issue.
According to the Chief of Staff, this new approach will be strictly enforced. “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,” Gbajabiamila stated.
The retreat in Abuja also provided an opportunity for the Chief of Staff to remind heads of agencies under the State House to align their operations with the administration’s goals of efficiency and prudence. Gbajabiamila stressed the importance of adhering to statutes, regulations, policy decisions, and presidential directives in all government activities. He hinted at upcoming policy announcements that will further emphasize the need for efficient service delivery across all sectors of government operations.
The retreat, themed “Strengthening Institutional Mechanism for Effective Delivery,” was designed to foster collaboration and coordination among the various government agencies. Gbajabiamila pointed out that coordination among these agencies is essential for the successful implementation of President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which aims to address the pressing challenges facing Nigeria. He noted that the retreat would not be a one-off event but part of a continuous process to ensure that governance adapts to the evolving needs of the country.
The Chief of Staff also called on the State House management and the chief executives of agencies under its supervision to lead by example. He emphasized the importance of strict compliance with existing laws and regulations, particularly those related to public procurement, financial reporting, and civil service rules. Gbajabiamila noted that compliance with these laws is crucial for enhancing the overall effectiveness and integrity of government operations.
In particular, he urged the agencies to adhere to the Public Procurement Act, the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, the Finance Act, and the various appropriation acts that govern the use of public funds. He also stressed the need for compliance with civil service rules and the scheme of service guidelines, especially concerning recruitment, promotion, and presidential approvals. According to Gbajabiamila, demonstrating excellence in these areas is not just expected but essential for maintaining the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people.
The president’s directive to cut down the size of Nigeria’s delegation to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) sparked diverse reactions on social media. While some Nigerians see the move as a step in the right direction, others remain skeptical, questioning the government’s commitment to real change.
Social media user Ajiferuke Habeeb Titilope simply responded with approval, saying, “Good,” while Odii Emmanuel Pius advised caution, stating, “Be careful with those… Overthrow.”
Some users expressed support for the decision but with reservations. Odunsi Abiodun shared a positive outlook, commenting, “Good one,” while OluwaMayọwa, J. Clement, voiced doubt, saying, “Nigerians are waiting to see that happen! What’s the jamboree all about?!”
BALOGUN O.W praised the idea but called for broader reforms, writing, “That’s a good idea. Waiting for you to do more. Remove all illegal allowance earned by the politicians. Make the government efficient and effective. NNPC cannot even guarantee distribution of petroleum products—all we hear is English. Doing things the same and expecting a different result won’t work.”
Others were more cynical. Michael Okona humorously suggested that the government might still indulge in excess, quipping, “Lol… but you will still carry Toke Makinwa follow body.” Obieze Agoruah, however, shifted the focus to security issues, asking, “Did you hear that 20 medical students were kidnapped recently?”
Real Courage echoed the concerns of many Nigerians about the country’s economic challenges, urging the President to prioritize more pressing issues. He tweeted, “Good, but he should do something seriously about the inflation, that is our concern, else we have no problem with how you decide to run your eight years and return power back to the North. Inflation is killing us; we never knew that President Tinubu could be this heartless towards us.”
