Hard Time:FG bans purchase and distribution of bags & T-shirts at government workshops and conferences

In continuance of the cost-cutting and efficiency drive by the president Buhari-led administration, Federal Government has banned the purchase and distribution of conference bags, T-shirts and other souvenirs at events such as Conferences and Seminars funded by Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).  The above measure was contained in a  briefing made available to newsmen  by Salisu Dambatta, the Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Finance,  today July 31st. The new guideline which  were approved by President Buhari following recommendations by the Efficiency Unit of the Federal Ministry of Finance, has been  conveyed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Ministers of Finance and Budget and National Planning, by the Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari, for implementation.
in the same vein, the statement also banned the printing of unnecessary publications and books of short shelf life which have no real value to the concerned public institutions or the citizens.

According to Salisu Dambatta,

  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”it said. Also, the statement said the printing of unnecessary publications and books of short shelf life which have no real value to the concerned public institutions or the citizens has also been banned. “MDAs were encouraged to save costs by uploading such publications on their websites which has the added benefit of wider visibility

the statement read in part