As the date for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) draws close, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasises that only authorised officials with business at UNGA should attend.
This was disclosed by Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday in Abuja during a one-day retreat organised by the State House Management for Heads of Government Agencies under its supervision, with the theme- ‘Strengthening Institutional Mechanism for Effective Delivery.’
Honourable Femi while addressing the participants at the retreat, mentioned that the decision to streamline Nigeria’s delegation to the 79th session of UNGA in September is part of the administration’s commitment to ensure prudent management of resources and reduce the cost of governance.
Honourable Femi highlighted the need for the State House and agencies under its supervision to ensure that its functions are guided by statutes, regulations, policy decisions, and presidential directives. He hinted the participants that the upcoming policy announcements are aimed at ensuring efficient service delivery in government operations.
As a directive from Mr
President , Honourable Femi said,
“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.”
“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,” he said.
The Chief of Staff urged heads of agencies at the retreat to comply strictly, adding that the President is listening to the concerns of Nigerians and is committed to addressing them diligently.
Hence, the idea is to ensure coherence as we jointly work together to achieve the objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
During the retreat, Honourable Gbajabiamila noted that their compliance will facilitate collaboration and coordination among government agencies, particularly those under the direct supervision of the State House.
”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.
Also, the Chief of staff mentioned that, the retreat would be a continuous exercise, as governance is an evolving process that requires regular adjustments.
Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila 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.
This statement was signed by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president on Media and Publicity.
