The Nigerian Presidency has announced a series of measures aimed at reducing federal government expenditure at the upcoming COP29 Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November.
According to Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the measures are expected to save around N10 billion from the 11-day event.
The presidency’s move comes after public criticism over the size of Nigeria’s delegation at previous international events, including last year’s COP28 in Dubai, according to Daily Post.
Ngelale stated that the government will no longer hire a pavilion, which costs $5,000, and will instead set up a delegation office within the premises.
Additionally, unnecessary consultancies and subcontracts for lighting and technology provisions will be eliminated.
The presidency has also announced plans to implement a climate accountability and transparency portal to ensure greater transparency and accountability.
The measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency, ensuring that Nigeria’s participation in international events is cost-effective and impactful.
He said: “Many Nigerians would recall that as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the federal government of Nigeria’s delegation to COP 28 in Dubai, UAE, last year, there were some elements of outcry concerning the size of the delegation.
“There was some deliberate misinformation but the truth of the matter is, we also found that there were government officials who had no business at that meeting and some with significant delegations.
“And in view of this, His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, had approved an audit to be undertaken of that exercise to fully understand and ascertain what happened and what must be done to ensure that what happened never repeats itself in this country.”
