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'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - In a move aimed at enhancing transparency and reducing costs associated with international climate engagements, President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of a Climate Accountability and Transparency Portal (CAT-P). This initiative, disclosed by Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, is set to reform Nigeria’s approach to the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29), which will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11-22, 2024.
During a press briefing at the State House on Tuesday, Chief Ngelale revealed that the new portal will serve as a real-time tracking system, providing Nigerians with full visibility into the delegation's composition and associated expenditures. This move comes in response to concerns raised over the size and costs of Nigeria's delegation at COP 28 in Dubai.
"President Bola Tinubu is acutely aware of the economic challenges our nation faces. To address this, he has approved an audit of last year’s COP 28 expenditures," Ngelale stated. The audit, which uncovered significant inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures, including nearly $500,000 spent on a showcase pavilion, has prompted a reevaluation of Nigeria's climate conference strategy.
The CAT-P will allow the public to verify which delegates are attending COP 29 and monitor the expenses involved, including those related to ministries, departments, agencies, and legislative branches. This step aims to prevent the repetition of past inefficiencies and ensure every participant’s presence aligns with the economic and developmental goals of the nation.
Additionally, Chief Ngelale emphasized that the government is implementing stringent cost-saving measures expected to save Nigeria nearly ₦10 billion compared to COP 28 expenditures. "This review and resolution process are intended to ensure that every dollar spent contributes directly to our economic empowerment and development goals," Ngelale explained.
The new strategy includes a more economical approach to on-site delegation facilities. The Nigerian delegation will utilize a time-slotting system within the conference complex, reducing costs to less than 10 percent of what was previously spent on a large pavilion.
Chief Ngelale assured that only delegates with clear economic imperatives—those directly involved in attracting climate finance and business opportunities—will be included in the federal delegation. This policy is part of President Tinubu’s commitment to making the COP 29 participation more cost-effective and impactful.
"This is the change that Nigerians have asked for, and this is the change that President Tinubu is delivering," Ngelale concluded.
The establishment of the Climate Accountability and Transparency Portal is anticipated to set a new standard in how Nigeria participates in global climate discussions, ensuring both financial prudence and greater public accountability.
