President Bola Tinubu has introduced a new directive limiting ministers and heads of Federal Government agencies to a maximum of three vehicles in their official convoys. This cost-saving measure also prohibits the assignment of additional vehicles for their movements.
The announcement was made through a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. “The cost-cutting measure was announced today in a statement signed by the President,” the statement read.
It is important to note that this is part of a series of efforts by the President to curb government spending. In January, President Tinubu reduced his entourage for foreign trips from 50 officials to 20, while local trips were cut to 25 officials. Similarly, the Vice President’s foreign travel entourage was reduced to five officials, while local trips were limited to 15.
In addition to the convoy restrictions, President Tinubu directed that ministers and heads of agencies are to have no more than five security personnel attached to them. This security team will consist of four police officers and one Department of State Services (DSS) officer. “No additional security personnel will be assigned,” the President emphasized in the directive.
The President also instructed the National Security Adviser (NSA) to work with the military, paramilitary, and other security agencies to determine appropriate reductions in their vehicle fleets and security personnel deployments.
“All affected officials are expected to comply with these new measures immediately, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of these changes,” the statement concluded.