President Tinubu issues new directives to reduce the cost of governance, limiting official convoys to three vehicles and capping security personnel for ministers and agency heads at five.

President Bola Tinubu has issued a fresh set of directives limiting the number of official vehicles and security personnel assigned to high-ranking government officials. This new measure is part of the President’s ongoing efforts to streamline government expenditure and increase efficiency across all levels of the federal administration.
The announcement, delivered today in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, outlines the key aspects of this latest cost-cutting initiative. Ministers, Ministers of State, and Heads of Agencies within the Federal Government will now be restricted to a maximum of three vehicles in their official convoys, with no additional vehicles assigned for movement.
Security Personnel Reduced
In a further effort to tighten security-related expenditures, President Tinubu ordered that these officials can only have five security personnel attached to them, comprising four police officers and one Department of State Services (DSS) officer. There will be no extra security personnel allocated to their convoys or duties beyond this limit.
The President’s decision reflects a broader commitment to curbing government waste, with the statement stressing that all officials are expected to comply with these new measures immediately. President Tinubu has also instructed the National Security Adviser to work with the Military, Paramilitary, and Security Agencies to review and reduce their vehicle and personnel deployment where necessary.
A Continuation of Cost-Cutting Efforts
This directive comes on the heels of earlier moves by President Tinubu to reduce unnecessary government expenditure. In January 2024, the President took notable steps to scale down the size of his entourage on official trips, cutting the number of officials on foreign trips from 50 to 20, while limiting local trips to 25 officials. Similarly, the Vice President's entourage was reduced to five officials for foreign trips and 15 for local trips, a significant cut from previous numbers.
These measures demonstrate the President’s determination to lead by example and enforce fiscal discipline at the highest levels of government. His emphasis on reducing convoys and limiting the number of security personnel speaks to the need for government officials to embrace austerity and reduce excesses that place unnecessary financial strain on the nation’s resources.
Impact and Public Perception
With Nigeria grappling with economic challenges and budgetary constraints, these cost-cutting measures are expected to resonate positively with the public, as many citizens have called for more responsible spending in government.
However, the success of these directives will largely depend on strict enforcement and the commitment of all affected officials to align with the President’s vision for a leaner, more efficient government.
As the country faces numerous fiscal pressures, the President's actions are a clear signal that his administration is intent on prioritizing the reduction of waste and ensuring that resources are directed towards more pressing national issues. This move is part of a broader reform agenda that seeks to enhance transparency, accountability, and sustainability in government operations.