FG Cuts Expenditure for COP29 Climate Conference, Saves N10bn

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that it will reduce its expenditure for the upcoming COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, in order to save approximately N10 billion.

FG’s decision comes after the government faced criticism for the large size of its delegation and excessive spending at the previous COP28 conference in Dubai.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, stated that the government has taken measures to avoid a repeat of the embarrassment at COP28. These measures include:

– Not hiring a pavilion, which cost $500,000 at COP28
– Setting up a delegation office within the conference premises instead
– Cutting back on wasteful platforms and consultancies
– Providing necessary services directly through the National Council on Climate Change

READ ALSO:FG Pushes for CNG Adoption to Slash Transportation Costs

The cost-cutting measures will be achieved through the implementation of a climate accountability and transparency portal.

Also, the government has also conducted an audit of the COP28 expenditure to identify areas of waste and ensure that such mistakes are not repeated.

Ngelale stressed that the government was committed to ensuring that its participation in COP29 was cost-effective and serves the economic interests of Nigerians.

He stated that the savings from the reduced expenditure will be used to empower the people and develop the nation.