Ngelale also highlighted the creation of a climate accountability and transparency portal, which will help in tracking and managing expenditures. The portal is part of broader efforts to ensure that spending related to COP29 is efficient and aligned with the country’s economic priorities.
Abuja — The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced significant cost-cutting measures for its participation in the upcoming COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, aiming to save approximately N10 billion.
This move comes after concerns were raised over the expenses incurred during last year’s COP28 conference in Dubai.
Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, addressed journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, outlining the government’s decision to trim the budget for the 11-day event.
According to Ngelale, the reduction in spending is part of an effort to avoid a repeat of the “embarrassment” that arose during the COP28 conference.
“Many Nigerians would recall that during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s and the federal government of Nigeria’s delegation to COP28 in Dubai last year, there were some elements of outcry concerning the size of the delegation,” Ngelale stated.
He emphasized that the current administration is committed to avoiding unnecessary expenditures.
Among the cost-saving measures, the government has decided not to hire a pavilion at the conference, a move that will save $500,000. Instead, a delegation office will be set up within the conference premises to facilitate meetings and activities.
Ngelale noted that some previously utilized platforms, which led to costly consultancies and subcontracts, will be replaced by services provided directly by the National Council on Climate Change.
Ngelale also highlighted the creation of a climate accountability and transparency portal, which will help in tracking and managing expenditures. The portal is part of broader efforts to ensure that spending related to COP29 is efficient and aligned with the country’s economic priorities.
An audit of the COP28 expenditures revealed that certain government officials attended the conference without clear roles or responsibilities. In response, President Tinubu has ordered a review to prevent such occurrences in the future.
“The audit of COP28 expenditures showed that there were significant amounts spent on items that we now consider wasteful. Therefore, ahead of COP29, we have decided not to have a showcase pavilion. Instead, all meetings will be conducted in a delegates’ office, costing less than 10% of the previous pavilion,” Ngelale explained.
He added that these changes are part of President Tinubu’s commitment to economic efficiency and transparency, especially during times of economic difficulty for the nation.
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