FG Places Embargo on Foreign Training and International Travels by Public Servants

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has placed embargo on foreign training and international travels by Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government. The latest embargo on training and international travels is said to one of the cost-saving measures introduced following recent developments in the International oil market which has affected the revenue stream of Government.

It will be recalled that a similar pronouncement was made last year when the Federal Government of NIgeria directed that training of personnel of ministries, departments and agencies be held in the country from January 2014. The directive was contained in a document analysing the 2014 budget on major focus of government to ensure good governance released by the Ministry of Finance. It said that foreign travels by government personnel would further be curtailed, adding that the directive would apply to all ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government.

According to the document, from 2014, all training for personnel of MDAs and Parastatals must now take place in Nigeria. Foreign training programmes will only be approved in exceptional cases and will be based on guidelines to be developed by the Head of Service and the Director –General of Budget Office.

The latest circular entitled: “Restrictions on Foreign Trainings and International Travels by Public Servants”, issued from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Danladi Kifasi said there is embargo on foreign trainings and international travels by public servants in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including all Parastatals beginning from January, 2015.

According to the new directive by Head of Service, “proposals for participation or attendance of international conferences, seminars, workshops study tours, presentation of papers and negotiating/signing of Memoranda  of Understanding abroad at government expenses, shall no longer be allowed except those that are fully funded by sponsoring/inviting organizations”.

The circular further stated that no ministry, extra-ministerial office, department, agency or parastatals should send members of staff outside Nigeria for training at government’s expenses, ‘’whether or not that agency draws funds  from the Federal Government’s budget or meets its financial needs from revenue generated by itself.”

The circular concluded by stating that public servants invited for foreign trainings/study tours, conferences by any organization, government or other Bilateral/ Multilateral organization will be allowed to travel provided that no travel cost, estacode application or any other cost on government is involved.