A PUNCH investigation says federal ministers, directors-general and other senior appointees now face tighter requirements before undertaking official travel outside Nigeria.
Under the new arrangement, prior clearance from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is expected before relevant travel documentation and official processes can proceed.
The measure follows controversies surrounding questionable invitations and purported foreign organisations, and is being framed as an accountability and expenditure-control mechanism.
PUNCH’s morning briefing confirmed that the government now requires “prior OSGF approval,” while the same report said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must request “evidence of the approval” before processing official travel arrangements.
Echotitbits take: Central approval can reduce frivolous travel, but the policy should not become an administrative bottleneck. Publication of aggregate official-travel costs would add stronger fiscal accountability than approval procedures alone.
Source: Business Day – https://businessday.ng/news/article/fg-tightens-foreign-travel-rules-for-government-appointees/, September 8, 2026.
Photo Credit: The Sun Nigeria
