‘We’ll be strict this time,’ Tinubu warns government officials with no business in UNGA not to step foot in America

President Bola Tinubu has directed that only authorised government officials should attend the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in New York, United States.

Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff (CoS) to the president, conveyed Tinubu’s directive during a one-day retreat organised by the State House management for heads of government agencies under its supervision.

The 79th session of the UNGA will take place in New York, from September 10 to 24.

Recently, the high number of Nigerian delegates at international events has been criticised by many Nigerians amid calls for the cut in cost of governance.

Gbajabiamila said the decision to reduce the country’s delegation for the UNGA is part of the “administration’s commitment to ensure prudent management of resources and reduce the cost of governance”.

He urged heads of agencies at the retreat to comply strictly with the presidential directive.

The chief of staff added that there is a need for the state house and agencies under its supervision to be guided by “statutes, regulations, policy decisions, and presidential directives”.

”I just discussed with the President this afternoon. In the next few weeks, we are going to see a test of this policy during UNGA in New York,” Gbajabiamila was quoted in a statement released by Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson.

”During recent protests, there were talks about a reduction in the 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.”