Following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to slash entourage size for domestic and international travels by 60 per cent, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has said, clarification on the sanctions for non-compliance would be essential to ensure effective implementation.
The chamber, in a release by its director-general, Dr. Chinyere Almona, acknowledged the President’s recent decision to reduce the entourage size for both domestic and international travel by 60 per cent.
She said, this move is seen as a decisive step to curb excessive travel spending and align with the need for financial prudence in the management of public funds, saying that the austerity measures extend to all federal ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as the offices of the president, vice president, and the wives of both officials.
“The reduction in the entourage size is a commendable step toward cost-cutting, and this exercise is expected to result in significant savings vis-à-vis estacodes and duty allowances.
“The LCCI is pleased that the government is heeding the incessant calls for the reduction of the cost of governance. More importantly, the President’s decision to lead by example via the implementation of these measures will set a precedent for government officials at various levels to follow suit, fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility and accountability,” she said.
Almona noted that the President has set the right tone at the top of a more prudent government and organised private sector expects this to cascade to all levels for it to have a significant impact across board.
“Therefore, Ministries, Departments, And Agencies need to adjust their bureaucratic operational procedures to accommodate the new limits. It is also expected that this level of fiscal discipline will be implemented by State Governors, members of the National Assembly, and State House of Assemblies.
“The President’s emphasis on aligning the prudence of government officials with that of Nigerian citizens reflects a commitment to prioritise the well-being of the nation and its people. This is crucial at a time when economic challenges require stringent fiscal measures,” she explained.
The LCCI further said, there might be resistance from some government officials accustomed to larger entourages, and enforcing compliance could face challenges, saying, ‘therefore, clarification on the sanctions for non-compliance would be essential to ensure effective implementation.’
The LCCI added that the decision to align government spending with the realities faced by Nigerian citizens is a step in the right direction for sustainable economic management.
By Olushola Bello
