Unaccredited presidential aides have barred from attending the 79th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
in New York, United States.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity Mr Ajuri Ngelale said the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila said government officials who have no business at the event.
slated for September.
He said Gbajabiamila said this on Saturday in Abuja during a one-day retreat organised by the State House management for heads of government agencies under its supervision.
The Chief of Staff said the decision to streamline Nigeria’s delegation to the session is part of the administration’s commitment to ensure prudent management of resources and reduce the cost of governance.
Highlighting 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, Gbajabiamila hinted at upcoming policy announcements aimed at ensuring efficient service delivery in government operations.
”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.
”During recent protests, there were talks about reduction in 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,” he said.
He 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.
The theme of the one-day retreat where Gbajabiamila addressed participants, was ‘Strengthening Institutional Mechanism for Effective Delivery.’
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