The Nigerian government has announced significant measures to reduce its spending for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29, set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, this November. These steps are expected to save the country around N10 billion.

This decision comes after public backlash over the large and costly delegation Nigeria sent to last year’s COP28 in Dubai. Many criticized the size and expenses of the delegation, accusing the government of wasteful spending at a time when the nation is facing economic challenges.

At a media briefing held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, explained that the government has conducted a thorough audit of the expenses incurred during COP28. The audit revealed that many officials attended the conference without a clear purpose, contributing to unnecessary costs.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has responded by approving new guidelines to ensure that only those with a clear and necessary role in securing business opportunities or financial support for Nigeria will attend COP29. This is part of a broader effort to cut down on wasteful government spending.

One of the most significant changes is the decision not to rent a showcase pavilion at COP29. Last year, the pavilion cost Nigeria nearly $500,000. Instead, the government will use a smaller and more cost-effective delegation office within the conference complex. This move alone will reduce costs by over 90%.

Ngelale also mentioned that the government will no longer spend money on unnecessary platforms, consultancies, and subcontracts for lighting and other technological provisions, as these services can be handled by the National Council on Climate Change.

To ensure transparency, the government has introduced a “climate accountability and transparency portal.” This online portal will track all members of Nigeria’s delegation to COP29, including those from various ministries, departments, and agencies. The portal will allow Nigerians to see in real-time who is attending the conference and why.

This initiative is designed to reassure the public that only those contributing to Nigeria’s economic and environmental goals will be funded by the government to attend COP29. Ngelale emphasized that this approach is part of President Tinubu’s commitment to making government activities more efficient and transparent.

The government’s decision to reduce costs and increase transparency comes after widespread criticism of the excessive spending at COP28. Many Nigerians were outraged by the large delegation and the extravagant expenses at a time when the country is struggling with economic difficulties, including high inflation and widespread poverty.

By taking these steps, the government hopes to regain public trust and demonstrate its commitment to responsible spending. Ngelale stated that the savings from these measures will be used to address the pressing needs of the Nigerian people rather than being wasted on unnecessary expenses.

This cost-cutting strategy marks a shift in how Nigeria engages with international events. Instead of sending large, expensive delegations, the government plans to focus on smaller, more targeted groups that can effectively represent the country’s interests without burdening the nation’s finances.

President Tinubu’s administration is determined to show that it is serious about cutting waste and ensuring that every naira spent serves the best interests of the Nigerian people. By streamlining its approach to events like COP29, the government aims to set a new standard for fiscal responsibility.