President bans use of souvenirs during government functions

President Buhari has banned the use of souvenirs like notepads, bags, pens etc. during official government functions.

Punch reports that he also directed that all printing of books that have no importance to the citizens or government institutions be banned.

The President took the decisions based on the recommendation of the Efficiency Unit - a team which he set up to work out ways on how the government can save money.

According to the unit, “The directive which is a recognition of the fact that in a period of lean financial resources unnecessary expenditure on overheads such souvenirs are luxuries that the government must eliminate.

“This will enable release of funds for infrastructure and services such as health and education that would have direct positive impact on the well-being of the citizenry and promote economic development.

“The directive also contained specific guidelines that would reduce the cost of printing Invitation Cards, Programme of events, Brochures, Folders and Note Pads.

“Among the guidelines are that they should be in black and white and limited to only one page and in the case of Brochures they should be streamlined to contain only essential information.”

Reports say the team has also saved money for the Federal Government in the area of travelling.

On Thursday, April 6, 2016, Festus Akanbi, the Media Adviser to the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, announced that the Federal Government has banned all officials from flying first class when embarking on official trips.