George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation
The government said the measure followed continued cases of non-compliance by some appointees who embark on official foreign trips without obtaining the required OSGF approval.
The circular warned that such breaches undermine efforts to promote accountability, transparency, fiscal discipline and effective coordination of government business.
It said, “All official foreign trips undertaken by Federal Government Appointees shall continue to require prior approval from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation before such trips are undertaken,” except where otherwise provided by law or specific presidential directive.
As part of the new enforcement measures, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to make evidence of valid OSGF approval a mandatory requirement, where applicable, for processing note verbale, diplomatic facilitation and applications relating to official foreign travel.
The ministry is also expected to communicate the requirement to foreign missions and embassies accredited to Nigeria, with official, diplomatic and service visa applications by government appointees expected to be accompanied by the requisite OSGF travel approval.
The government also placed the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation at the centre of enforcement.
According to the circular, government appointees who undertake foreign trips at public expense will be required to produce evidence of OSGF approval during audit exercises.
The circular further directed accounting officers, permanent secretaries, chief executives and heads of government agencies to ensure that “no expenditure relating to official foreign travel by Government Appointees is processed unless the requisite OSGF approval has first been obtained.” Daily Trust