FG warns appointees against unapproved foreign trips

The Federal Government has warned its appointees against embarking on official foreign trips without obtaining prior approval from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

The warning was contained in a circular dated August 13, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

The circular was addressed to the Chief of Staff to the President, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Vice President, ministers, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and other senior government officials.

“Some government appointees continue to embark on official foreign trips without obtaining the required approval, despite the several directives issued by government over the years,” Akume said.

The SGF said the continued disregard for the rules was affecting government efforts to promote proper coordination, accountability, transparency and prudent management of public funds.

“Government appointees must obtain prior approval from the OSGF before embarking on official foreign trips, except where otherwise provided by law or through a specific Presidential directive. This is to ensure due process, proper coordination of government activities and prudent management of public resources,” Akume said.

To strengthen compliance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was directed to require evidence of valid OSGF approval when processing official Notes Verbales, diplomatic facilitation and other requests relating to official foreign travel by government appointees.

The ministry was also instructed to communicate the new requirement to foreign missions and embassies accredited to Nigeria.

The government said applications for official, diplomatic or service visas by government appointees should, where applicable, include the duly issued OSGF travel approval among the required supporting documents.

The Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation was also directed to ensure that government appointees who undertake official foreign trips at public expense produce evidence of the required approval during audit exercises.

Akume warned that public funds spent on foreign trips undertaken without the necessary approval would be subjected to appropriate reporting under existing financial and audit regulations.

“Accounting Officers, Permanent Secretaries, Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Federal Government Agencies must ensure that no expenditure relating to official foreign travel by Government Appointees is processed without the requisite OSGF approval,” Akume said.

He urged ministers, permanent secretaries and heads of ministries, departments and agencies to ensure strict compliance with the directive.