By Ayo Yusuf
As the date for the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, approaches, the Federal Government of Nigeria, FG, has barred government officials with no direct role to play in the proceedings from attending the New York event.
President Bola Ahmed Tinub directed the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately stop the processing of visas for any such officials who can show no proof that they are directly participating in any of the officially scheduled activities.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale on Monday, the move was part of a broader effort to reduce the cost of governance in Nigeria.
The statement added that, “To prevent any sharp practice in this regard, the US Mission in Nigeria is accordingly guided on official visa processing while Nigeria’s Permanent Mission in New York is further directed to prevent and stop the accreditation of any government official who is not placed on the protocol lists forwarded by the approving authority.
“By this directive of the President, all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies are mandated to ensure that all officials, who are approved for inclusion in the UNGA delegation, strictly limit the number of aides and associated staff partaking in the event.
“Where excesses or anomalies in this regard are identified, they will be removed during the final verification process.
“The President wishes to affirm that, henceforth, government officials and government expenditure must reflect the prudence and sacrifice being made by well-meaning Nigerians across the nation.”
The 78th session of the UN General Assembly, UNGA 78, is scheduled from September 12 to 30, 2023.
The first day of the high-level general debate will be Monday, September 25.
