The Federal Government in a recent circular dated November 2nd, has ordered all its Director-Generals, Managing Directors and Executive Secretaries to start flying Economy Class on all local and international flights.
According to the circular, “In view of the ensuring budgetary and fiscal challenges faced by the Federal Government arising from low oil revenue, it has become necessary to review the guidelines for local and international travels and provided for in circular Ref. No SGF, 6/2/X/545 of 31st March, 2016 with a view to further prune recurrent expenses on travels and tours.
“Also, Government has declared that all Civil and Public servants in the rank of Directors and below in Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as Chief Executive Officers (Managing Directors, Executive Secretaries, Director Generals etc) of Federal Government parastatals, agencies and institutions, are henceforth to travel on Economy Class for both local and international travels. Similarly, all non-executives, Chairmen and members of Federal Government boards of parastatals are henceforth to travel Economy Class.”
However, ministers, permanent secretaries, presidential aides, Service Chiefs, and relevant heads of Armed Forces and para-military, are still allowed to travel on business class.
SGF Lawal further stated that there should be immediate compliance to the directive as the government will monitor the implementation and any breech of this rule will be sanctioned.