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Tag: COP29

  • COP29: FG orders creation of portal to limit attendance

    COP29: FG orders creation of portal to limit attendance

    President Bola Tinubu has directed the establishment of a new portal aimed at reducing the number of government-sponsored delegates attending the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Azerbaijan, scheduled for November 11 to 22.
    The announcement was made on Tuesday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, during a briefing at the State House.
    Ngelale explained that the newly launched platform, called the Climate Accountability and Transparency Portal, is expected to save Nigeria over ₦10 billion during the 11-day conference. The portal will ensure that only delegates directly involved in climate-related activities are sponsored by the government.
    “This initiative is in direct response to public criticism over the excessive number of delegates sent to the previous climate conference in Dubai, many of whom had no substantive role in the proceedings,” Ngelale said.
    The portal will be developed in collaboration with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), headed by Director-General Nkiruka Maduekwe. It will serve as a transparent platform, listing all government-sponsored attendees from various ministries, departments, agencies, and the legislative branch.
    “The Climate Accountability and Transparency Portal will provide Nigerians with full, real-time access to the list of government-sponsored delegates attending COP 29. This ensures that every delegate has a legitimate economic reason to be at the conference, engaging with companies, multilateral partners, and stakeholders to attract finance and opportunities into the country for the benefit of our people,” Ngelale stated.
    He further emphasized that the platform represents a significant step towards restoring public confidence in the government’s climate-related activities, highlighting that COP 29 is just the beginning of a broader effort to audit and rectify past inefficiencies.
    “We are poised to save over ₦10 billion during this 11-day event in November. The President remains committed to ensuring that Nigerians trust the government’s actions as we move forward. COP 29 is just the start,” Ngelale concluded.
  • COP29: Minister of Environment Inaugurates Intra-Ministerial Committee

    COP29: Minister of Environment Inaugurates Intra-Ministerial Committee

    The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has called on the newly formed Intra-Ministerial Preparatory Committee to work diligently in developing the Ministry’s position for the upcoming 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).
    The event, scheduled to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, will focus on the theme “In Solidarity for a Green World.”
    Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Environment, representing Minister Lawal at the inauguration, emphasized the importance of crafting a strategy that aligns with the national objectives and ensures effective participation at COP29.
    He highlighted the need for inclusivity, equity, and a holistic approach in addressing climate change, urging the committee to advocate for financial mechanisms that support both climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
    Minister Lawal stressed that the committee’s work should be guided by a vision for a sustainable future, and that their decisions would have long-lasting impacts on the nation’s climate commitments.
    He noted that COP29 would serve as both a negotiation platform and an opportunity to strengthen international collaboration on climate action.
    Dr. Salako, who chairs the committee, called on members to reflect on the outcomes of previous UNFCCC conferences, particularly COP28 in Dubai, which underscored the necessity of financing to address loss and damage from climate change.
    He encouraged the committee members, drawn from various professional departments within the Ministry and its agencies, to collaborate effectively to achieve the committee’s objectives.
    In her opening remarks, Dr. Iniagbon Abiola-Awe, Director of Climate Change and Vice-Chairman of the committee, reminded members that their work is a national priority.
     She underscored that the success of Nigeria’s participation at COP29 depends on the timely submission of the committee’s report.
    The last two COP conferences were held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, and Dubai, UAE, respectively.