President Bola Tinubu has initiated new measures to prevent an inflated delegation from representing Nigeria at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Azerbaijan.To achieve this, the President has ordered the creation of a specialized portal aimed at streamlining the selection of government-sponsored delegates.
This development was revealed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, during a briefing at the State House on Tuesday.
Ngelale introduced the new platform, known as the Climate Accountability and Transparency Portal, which is expected to save Nigeria over ₦10 billion during the 11-day conference. The portal will ensure that only those directly involved in climate-related activities are sponsored by the government.
Developed in partnership with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), led by Director-General Nkiruka Maduekwe, the portal will serve as a transparent tool for listing all government-sponsored attendees, including those from various ministries, departments, agencies, and the legislative arm of government.
“This initiative responds directly to public concerns about the overly large delegation sent to the previous climate conference in Dubai, many of whom had no significant role,” Ngelale stated.
“The Climate Accountability and Transparency Portal will give Nigerians full, real-time access to the list of government-sponsored delegates attending COP 29. This ensures that every delegate has a valid economic reason to be at the conference, engaging with companies, multilateral partners, and stakeholders to attract investments and opportunities that will benefit the country,” he added.
Ngelale further highlighted that this platform represents a crucial step in rebuilding public trust in the government’s climate-related initiatives. He noted that COP 29 marks the beginning of a broader effort to audit and correct past inefficiencies.
“We anticipate saving over ₦10 billion during this 11-day event in November. The President is committed to ensuring that Nigerians have confidence in the government’s actions as we move forward. COP 29 is just the start,” Ngelale concluded.
