Monrovia, Liberia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has issued a Cabinet directive imposing strict limitations on official foreign travel by ministers and senior government officials, citing the need to refocus attention on pressing national priorities.
The directive, announced during a Cabinet meeting at the Executive Mansion on Thursday, introduces stringent conditions for all overseas trips by ministers, heads of agencies and commissions, ambassadors, and other senior officials.
President Boakai said the measure was necessary to curb excessive travel that has disrupted Cabinet participation and hindered key government operations. He noted that frequent international trips have placed a financial strain on the government at a time when resources are urgently needed for domestic development programs.
Under the new policy, no official will be permitted to travel abroad on government business without the President’s explicit prior approval. The directive also introduces a “Virtual Participation First Policy,” encouraging ministries and agencies to attend international meetings via digital platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams whenever feasible.
Officials seeking travel authorization must now provide detailed justifications, including the strategic relevance of the trip to Liberia, estimated costs, funding sources, delegation composition, and reasons why virtual participation would not suffice. Physical attendance will only be approved when it is deemed “demonstrably necessary” and in Liberia’s national interest.
The directive further limits Cabinet ministers and senior officials to one official foreign trip per quarter, except under extraordinary circumstances authorized by the President. Travel requests will be denied if an official’s absence is likely to affect Cabinet deliberations, institutional leadership, or critical government functions.
Additionally, the policy reinforces compliance with existing travel regulations, including restrictions on travel class, per diem allowances, accommodations, and related expenses. Implementation and monitoring will be jointly overseen by the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs and the Cabinet Office, with exceptions granted only in cases of compelling national interest.
