BY BABATUNDE OLAMIDE SULAIMON
President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of the Climate Accountability and Transparency Portal (CAT-P) ahead of Nigeria’s participation in the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29).
This is to enhance transparency and curb unnecessary expenditure.
The development was announced by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, during a media briefing at the State House on Tuesday.
The portal is part of a broader initiative to ensure efficient use of resources as the nation prepares for the upcoming conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11-22, 2024.
Ngelale highlighted that the government’s newly implemented measures are expected to save the nation approximately ₦10 billion compared to expenditures incurred during COP 28 in Dubai last year.
“President Tinubu is acutely aware of the economic challenges facing Nigerians and has, therefore, mandated an audit of the spending associated with last year’s COP 28,” Ngelale stated.
“The findings revealed several inefficiencies that needed immediate correction.”
The audit revealed significant wasteful expenditures, including nearly $500,000 spent on a showcase pavilion, as well as other avoidable costs linked to sub-contracts and consultants.
These findings prompted the President to approve the establishment of the CAT-P, a tool designed to ensure full transparency and accountability in the delegation’s composition and spending for COP 29.
Through the portal, Nigerians will have real-time access to data on the delegation attending COP 29, including members from various ministries, departments, and agencies at both federal and state levels, as well as the legislative branch.
This initiative aims to prevent any unnecessary or unjustifiable participation at the conference, ensuring that only those with a clear economic imperative to attend will be part of the delegation.
“We are committed to ensuring that every naira spent on COP 29 directly benefits the Nigerian people and contributes to the country’s economic development,” Ngelale emphasized.
“This includes engaging with companies, multilateral partners, and stakeholders who can bring finance and opportunities to Nigeria.”
The government also plans to reduce costs by efficiently utilizing on-site delegation offices with a time-slotting system within the conference complex, which will cost less than 10 per cent of the previous year’s pavilion expenses.
“This is the change Nigerians have called for, and it is the change President Tinubu is delivering,” Ngelale concluded.
