Recession: FG Orders Staff To Fly Economy On Local And International Flights

The Federal Government has ordered some of its senior employees to fly economy class on all flights from now on.

The order applies to all directors-general, managing directors and executive secretaries, according to The Cable.

The instruction, which was attributed to the current economic crisis, was given via a circular released on November 2, 2016.

The circular reads:

“In view of the ensuing budgetary and fiscal challenges faced by the Federal Government arising from low oil revenue, it has become necessary to review the Guidelines for Local and International Travels as provided for in Circular Ref. No. SGF. 6/S.2/X/545 of 31st March, 2016 with a view to further prune recurrent expenses on travels and tours.”

“Accordingly, Government has decided that all Civil and Public Servants in the rank of Directors and below in Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as Chief Executive Officers (Managing Directors, Executive Secretaries, Directors-General, etc) of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies  and Institutions are henceforth to travel on Economy Class for both Local and International travels. Similarly, all non-executive Chairmen and members of Federal Government Boards of Parastatals are henceforth to travel Economy Class.

“For avoidance of doubt, it should be noted that Government will monitor the implementation of this directive and any breach will be appropriate sanctioned.”

The government had earlier banned public officials from flying first class.