In an effort to cut down on government spending, President Bola Tinubu has introduced new measures restricting the number of official vehicles and security personnel assigned to ministers and top government officials. The directive, which was announced on Thursday, is part of his broader strategy to reduce the cost of governance in Nigeria.
According to the new policy, ministers, ministers of state, and heads of federal government agencies will now be limited to a maximum of three vehicles in their official convoys. President Tinubu emphasized that no additional vehicles would be allowed beyond this number.
In a statement titled “President Tinubu Issues New Directives on Reduction in Cost of Governance,” the president reiterated his commitment to controlling unnecessary expenses within the government.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, further confirmed the new regulations in a press release. “The cost-cutting measure was announced today in a statement signed by the President,” Onanuga said.
This is not the first time President Tinubu has taken steps to address excessive government spending. Back in January 2024, the president issued a directive aimed at reducing the size of his delegation during official trips.
His entourage for foreign visits was cut from 50 to 20 officials, while local trips were reduced to 25. Vice President Kashim Shettima’s entourage was also reduced, with foreign trips now limited to five officials and local trips to 15.
In the most recent directive, President Tinubu has also imposed limits on the security personnel assigned to high-ranking officials. Ministers, ministers of state, and heads of agencies will now be accompanied by no more than five security officers.
The team will include four police officers and one Department of State Services (DSS) agent. “No additional security personnel will be assigned,” Tinubu ordered in the statement.
Additionally, the president has tasked the National Security Adviser to collaborate with military, paramilitary, and security agencies to determine how to reduce the number of vehicles and security staff currently deployed for official duties.
