The ongoing COP28 in Dubai has sparked controversy over Nigeria’s mammoth delegation, with Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, shedding light on the government-funded participation.
Revealing that out of the 1,411 Nigerian delegates, 422 were sponsored by the Federal Government, Idris emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency in public information.
Idris defended Nigeria’s robust representation, citing the nation’s pivotal role in climate action in Africa. The delegation includes diverse representatives from the private sector, civil society, and the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
The uproar on social media regarding Nigeria’s substantial presence prompted a response from Temitope Ajayi, President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity. Ajayi clarified that while a significant number registered, only a few were government-sponsored. Stressing that attendance registration didn’t equate to government sponsorship, Ajayi highlighted Nigeria’s substantial stake in climate action due to its economic status.
Idris corroborated this, outlining the breakdown of the government-funded delegates, encompassing various sectors like ministries, the Presidency, National Assembly, and federal agencies.
Despite the outcry, Idris highlighted Nigeria’s accomplishments at the summit, including agreements signed to improve electricity supply and engagements on climate change initiatives and funding.
Concluding the statement, Idris emphasized that President Tinubu and the government officials attending the summit were focused on substantive discussions and not merely attending for leisure.
