Presidency orders strict control over UNGA delegation

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to reduce the size of Nigeria’s official delegation to the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings in New York, United States.

This directive was disclosed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday in Abuja during a one-day retreat organized by the State House management for heads of government agencies under its supervision.

Addressing participants at the retreat, the Chief of Staff stated that the decision to streamline Nigeria’s delegation to the 79th session of UNGA in September is part of the administration’s commitment to ensuring prudent resource management and reducing the cost of governance.

Gbajabiamila emphasized the importance of the State House and its affiliated agencies adhering to statutes, regulations, policy decisions, and presidential directives in carrying out their functions.

He also indicated that upcoming policy announcements will focus on improving the efficiency of government operations.

“I just discussed this 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.

“During recent protests, there were calls for 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 pursue personal business.

“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. This is a directive from Mr. President,” he said.

The Chief of Staff urged heads of agencies at the retreat to comply strictly, adding that the President is attentive to the concerns of Nigerians and is committed to addressing them diligently.

On the retreat, Honourable Gbajabiamila noted that it would facilitate collaboration and coordination among government agencies, particularly those under the direct supervision of the State House.

“The idea is to ensure coherence as we jointly work to achieve the objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Coordination is not just a choice but a necessity for the government to succeed and for us to meet the expectations of the Nigerian people,” he said.

He added that the retreat would be a continuous exercise, as governance is an evolving process that requires regular adjustments.

The Chief of Staff also urged the State House management and chief executives of agencies under its supervision to lead by example by ensuring compliance with statutes, laws, regulations, and various policies designed to enhance governance.

“We must demonstrate excellence in our compliance with the Public Procurement Act, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, the Finance Act, and various appropriation acts in operation.

“Compliance with the civil service rules and the scheme of service guidelines, especially regarding recruitment, promotion, and presidential approvals, is also non-negotiable,” Honourable Gbajabiamila said.

The theme of the one-day retreat was “Strengthening Institutional Mechanism for Effective Delivery.”

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