Government has announced an immediate suspension of all new recruitments and a 30 percent cut in fuel entitlements for public officers, including Cabinet ministers, as part of sweeping austerity measures aimed at controlling public spending and safeguarding limited resources.
In a circular issued by Chief Secretary to the Government, Dr. Justin Adack Saidi, the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) directed all Controlling Officers, heads of departments, and chief executives of state-owned enterprises to strictly enforce the new Expenditure Control Measures up to the end of the 2025/2026 financial year.
According to the circular, recruitments across the public service have been frozen, including non-established posts, as government seeks to contain the wage bill and align expenditures with available resources. However, exceptions will be made for essential and critical services, to be considered on a case-by-case basis.
“Recruitments have been suspended, including non-established posts until further notice. On a case-by-case basis, recruitment in essential and critical Government services will be considered,” reads part of the circular.
Government has also ordered a 30 percent reduction in fuel entitlements for ministers, deputy ministers and senior government officials with immediate effect, a move aimed at cutting operational costs and promoting efficiency across ministries and agencies.
Dr. Saidi has reminded all controlling officers that they will be held personally responsible for ensuring adherence to the measures, warning that any unauthorized recruitment, promotion, or financial commitment would be rendered invalid.
The circular further announced a moratorium on the procurement of new vehicles and high-value assets, except in special cases approved by the Office of the President and Cabinet. It has also suspended promotions from Grade F and below unless prior authorization is obtained from Treasury and the Department of Human Resource Management and Development to confirm funding availability.
To minimize travel and meeting costs, government ministries, departments and agencies have been encouraged to hold meetings within their premises or virtually. External travel has been restricted, with all foreign trips now requiring approval through the Chief Secretary for the President’s consent. The size and composition of official delegations will also be determined and approved by the Chief Secretary, and there will be no top-up allowances for donor-funded travel.
Additionally, Dr. Saidi emphasized that no procurement or expenditure should be made without an IFMIS-generated Local Purchase Order, as required under the Public Finance Management Act (2022). He further directed that extra-budgetary requests will not be entertained by Treasury, with all spending to be limited to approved allocations.
Government also plans to review all mining licences and contracts, with licences that have been idle for more than five years set to be revoked. In the same spirit of cost rationalization, the number of embassies and diplomatic staff will be reduced, with each embassy expected to operate with no more than five officials, including the Ambassador or High Commissioner.
Dr. Saidi said the directives reflect government’s determination to restore fiscal discipline and improve the management of public resources, urging all departments and parastatals to ensure full compliance.
