President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday barred all ministers and heads
of federal agencies from travelling abroad pending their defence of the
2020 budget before the National Assembly.
A statement issued in Abuja by Mr Willie Bassey, Director
Information, Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation,
said the order was with immediate effect.
“The suspension of such travels will enable functionaries and
agencies of the Executive Arm to provide the required cooperation with
the Legislature in order to ensure timely passage of the Appropriation
Bill,” the statement said.
It, however, said that ministers who had already secured approval to
travel “are by this directive, required to revalidate such approvals
with Mr President after confirming the schedule of appearances with the
relevant committees of the National Assembly.
“Furthermore, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies have been
directed to liaise with the relevant committees of the National Assembly
for their schedules of budget defence.”