*Slashes convoy size, security aides for ministers, others
Apparently bowing to widespread criticism of running a lavish government, President Bola Tinubu has restricted ministers, heads of departments and agencies to a maximum of three vehicles in their official convoys, aimed at reducing the cost of governance.
“No additional vehicles will be assigned to them for movement,” presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced through a statement on Thursday.
Tinubu also ordered all ministers, ministers of state, and heads of agencies to have at most five security personnel attached to them.
“The security team will comprise four police officers and one Department of State Services (DSS) officer.
“No additional security personnel will be assigned,” he said.
The President instructed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to engage with the military, paramilitary and security agencies to determine a suitable reduction in their vehicle and security personnel deployment.
“All affected officials are expected to comply with these new measures immediately, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of these changes,” Onanuga said.
Earlier in January, the President reduced his entourage on foreign trips from 50 to 20 officials. For local trips, he reduced it to 25 officials.
He similarly reduced entourage of Vice President Kashim Shettima to five officials on foreign trips and 15 for local trips.