COP-28: Government Addresses Funding

The Federal Government clarified on Monday that it funded 422 delegates attending the ongoing 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Amidst criticism over the alleged 1,411 delegates sent by Nigeria to the event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that the delegation included both government-sponsored and non-government-sponsored participants.

According to the breakdown provided by the minister, the government-funded delegates consisted of 32 from the National Council on Climate Change, 34 from the Federal Ministry of Environment, 167 from various ministries, 67 from the presidency, nine from the office of the Vice President, 40 from the National Assembly, and 73 from federal parastatals/agencies.

Minister Idris defended the presence of President Bola Tinubu and other officials in Dubai, stating they were there for ‘serious business’ and not a ‘jamboree.’ He highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to advocating for Africa’s interests, particularly in ensuring the West supports the continent’s transition to alternative and clean energy sources.

However, concerns arose as President Tinubu did not deliver a scheduled address at the conference. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed no surprise, accusing Tinubu and the APC-led government of lacking a plan for Nigerians.

In response, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) urged critics to give Tinubu a breather, stating that he is not mandated to give a speech. The party emphasized its focus on delivering dividends of democracy and suggested that the absence of a speech does not deviate from the laid-down agenda.

There was also concern from environmental experts and critics, questioning why President Tinubu did not speak at the climate change summit. Professor Michael Ekaenem, a Theoretical and Applied Climatology expert from the University of Uyo, stressed that if Tinubu did not speak, it implied Nigeria did not speak at COP-28, raising questions about the purpose of sending over 1,411 delegates.

As discussions continue, the controversy surrounding Nigeria’s presence at COP-28 raises questions about the nation’s commitment to climate change initiatives and the effectiveness of its representation on the global stage.