Nigerian President Buhari bans the distribution of souvenirs at events funded by the federal government

As part of cost cutting measures in government spending, Nigeria has banned the procurement and distribution of bags, T-shirts and other souvenirs at events such as conferences and seminars funded by the federal government.

President Buhari is reported to have approved the ban following recommendations from the Efficiency Unit, the state run News Agency of Nigeria reports.

“The directive which is a recognition of the fact that in a period of lean financial resources unnecessary expenditure on overheads such as souvenirs are luxuries that the government must eliminate,’‘ a statement from the government read.

The statement was released on Sunday in the administrative capital Abuja by Director of Information of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Salisu Dambatta. The decision has subsequently been forwarded by the Chief of Staff to the relevant quarters for subsequent implementation.

President Buhari set up the Efficiency Unit to review all federal government expenditures to reduce wastage, promote efficiency and ensure savings for Africa’s most populous country.

The directive issued guidelines in relation to printing of invitation cards, programme of events, brochures, folders and note pads. Among others, they should be in black and white and limited to a page and the printing of materials with short shelf life which have no real value to the concerned public institutions or the citizens have also been banned, the directive added.

African News