The Federal Government has ordered Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to stop processing expenses linked to official foreign trips by government appointees who travel without prior clearance from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
The directive was issued in a circular dated August 13, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
The circular, referenced PRS59648/S.13/TI/335, was addressed to the Chief of Staff to the President, ministers, heads of the civil service, service chiefs, heads of federal agencies, chief executives of parastatals and government-owned companies.
According to the SGF, the government was compelled to restate the requirement after observing continued violations of existing rules governing official foreign travel.
The circular noted that some government appointees still embark on overseas official assignments without securing the required approval from the OSGF, despite previous directives designed to regulate such trips.
The government said at least five circulars have been issued since 2012 on the subject, but continued breaches have raised concerns over coordination, accountability, transparency and prudent management of public funds.
Under the latest directive, accounting officers, permanent secretaries, chief executive officers and heads of federal government agencies are required to ensure that no payment or expenditure relating to an official foreign trip is processed without evidence of prior OSGF approval.
The Auditor-General for the Federation has also been directed to require public officials who undertake foreign trips at government expense to present evidence of the necessary approval during audit exercises.
The circular warned that expenses incurred on trips undertaken without the required clearance would be reported in accordance with applicable financial regulations and audit procedures.
The SGF directed all ministers, permanent secretaries, accounting officers and heads of MDAs to ensure full compliance with the new directive.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also been instructed to make proof of OSGF approval a mandatory requirement when processing Notes Verbales, diplomatic facilitation and visa applications for government officials travelling abroad.
In addition, foreign embassies and diplomatic missions accredited to Nigeria are to be formally informed that applications for official, diplomatic or service visas by government appointees must be accompanied by valid OSGF approval for the proposed trip.
The directive is expected to strengthen government oversight of official international travel and prevent public funds from being committed to foreign assignments that have not received the required administrative clearance.
