Nigeria FG Slashes COP29 Budget by N10bn After COP28 Spending Backlash

The Nigerian government plans to reduce its COP29 climate conference budget by ₦10 billion following public outcry over the excessive delegation size and costs at COP28. The cuts include eliminating unnecessary expenses, such as the costly showcase pavilion, and enhancing resource management to ensure more efficient participation in global climate initiatives.

The Nigerian government has decided to reduce the budget for its participation in the upcoming COP29 climate conference by ₦10 billion. This move comes in response to widespread criticism of the country's large and costly delegation at COP28, where Nigeria sent 1,411 delegates, the most from any African country alongside China.

Ajuri Ngelale, President Bola Tinubu's special adviser on media and publicity, announced the decision, noting that an audit of the COP28 delegation revealed unnecessary expenses and the inclusion of officials who were not essential to the conference.

To address these issues, the government has introduced several cost-cutting measures for COP29, which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22. These measures include scrapping the expensive showcase pavilion used in COP28 and reducing consultancy and subcontracting fees by having services managed directly by the National Council on Climate Change. Additionally, a climate accountability and transparency portal has been created to monitor expenditures.

Ngelale emphasized that these budget cuts are part of the Tinubu administration's broader commitment to better resource management and accountability while maintaining Nigeria's active role in global climate action. The government aims to restore public confidence by ensuring that future international engagements are both effective and financially prudent.