President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Climate Accountability and Transparency Portal (CAT-P) and other strategic measures to enhance efficiency and accountability in Nigeria’s participation at the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, scheduled for November 11-22, 2024.
In a statement Director, Information and Public Relations Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Segun Imohiosen said Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, announced the new initiatives during a media briefing at the State House on Tuesday, outlining Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming global climate conference. He emphasized the government’s commitment to cost-saving measures, projecting a nearly ₦10 billion reduction in expenses for COP 29 compared to last year’s COP 28 in Dubai.
“President Bola Tinubu is fully aware of and sensitive to the economic conditions confronting our people. As a result, he authorized an audit of the expenditure profile from last year’s COP 28 conference,” Ngelale stated. “The audit revealed significant inefficiencies, prompting immediate action.”
The newly established Climate Accountability and Transparency Portal will serve as a tool for Nigerians to monitor the size and composition of the delegation attending COP 29. The portal will provide real-time access to data on all government-sponsored delegates across federal, state, and legislative branches.
Ngelale highlighted the concerns raised over the size and associated costs of Nigeria’s delegation at COP 28. Following the audit, it was revealed that nearly $500,000 was spent on a showcase pavilion, along with several wasteful sub-contracts and consultancies.
“This review process is designed to ensure that any expenditure ahead of COP 29 directly contributes to the economic empowerment of our people and the nation’s development,” Ngelale explained. He added that only delegates with a clear economic mandate to engage with international stakeholders and attract investment into Nigeria will be part of the official delegation.
To further cut costs, the Nigerian delegation will utilize a time-slotting system within the conference complex, significantly reducing expenses compared to the previous year’s pavilion setup.
“This is the change that Nigerians have asked for, and President Tinubu is delivering it,” Ngelale concluded.
