By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
In a move to further reduce the cost of governance, the Federal Government has directed government officials particularly ministers to reduce the number of aides that travel with them.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha revealed this during a courtesy visit by the new FIRS Executive Chairman to his office in Abuja.
The FIRS Chairman was in the SGF office to collect appointment letters for himself and his board members.
The SGF who decried a situation whereby government overhead costs far outweigh capital expenditure took a swipe at the members of the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) who he alleged collect three to four salaries per month.
He noted that the government’s funding gap is large which is why the government resorts to borrowing. He stated that if more money could be generated from tax there would be no need for government to go borrowing.
The SGF then pledged his support for the new FIRS Executive Chairman in the discharge of their functions.
While congratulating the FIRS boss on his appointment, the SGF noted that the Federal Government “needs all the money to enable Mr. President deliver on his mandate”.
He, however, advised the FIRS Chairman to be civil and polite but aggressive in his tax collection drive.
