As part of efforts to reduce cost of governance in the country, the Federal Government has secured 50 per cent air ticket from Dana Airlines for local and international travels of all public officers.
The information was contained in a circular with reference number SGF/OP/I/S.3/XI/977. The circular was entitled: “Discount from airlines for public officers involved on official travel,” issued by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) dated 24th May, 2017.
The Federal Government had last year reeled out policy to reduce the overhead cost worth several billions of naira being expended annually on international travels by public officers.
Copies of the circular seen by BusinessDay, were also sent to the Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA); Chief of Staff to the President; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President; Office of the Vice President; Ministers; Head of Civil Service; chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission; Service Chiefs/Inspector General of Police; Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission; Chief Registrar, Supreme Court of Nigeria; Secretary, National Judicial Council; Auditor General of the Federation and Accountant General of the Federation.
“As you are aware, one of the major objectives of the present administration is to reduce cost of governance in order to make more funds available for critical projects to support growth and development.”
“In this regard, the Federal Government through the Efficiency Unit of the Federal Ministry of Finance has used the large buying power of government to secure discounts from a number of local and international airlines.”
“To this end, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are hereby enjoined to patronise these airlines.”
“One of the airlines, Dana Airlines Ltd has already signed an agreement to provide 50 percent discount on travel tickets to Federal MDAs.”
“The names of the other airlines, the discounts offered and other applicable terms will be provided by the Federal Ministry of Finance to all MDAs on a case by case basis.”
“In the light of the forgoing, MDAs are directed to note the following general terms on the discount for compliance: The discounts are for official travels only; persons eligible to benefit from the discounts are government officials and consultants or contractors whose travel is being paid for by MDAs and Tickets purchased under this agreement are not transferrable but are cancelled and re-issued.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, MDAs should note that travels and the usage of the discounts will be monitored.”
KEHINDE AKINTOLA, Abuja
