Breaking: Federal Government Responds to Large Nigerian Delegates at COP28 Climate Summit

Toba Owojaiye reporting 

Abuja, Nigeria 

The Nigerian presidency has responded to concerns regarding the funding of delegates attending the ongoing COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai. Out of the 1,411 registered Nigerian delegates, the Federal Government sponsors only a fraction, with a majority being private sector representatives, including business leaders, Civil Society Organisations, and individuals from the Niger Delta region.

In a statement by President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, it was emphasized that attendance at COP summits is not indicative of government sponsorship. Ajayi clarified that participants from various sectors, including government, private enterprises, media, and civil society, register independently, and their presence does not imply government funding.

The response follows social media criticism of the significant Nigerian presence at COP28. Ajayi highlighted that Nigeria, as the largest country and economy in Africa, with a substantial stake in climate action, logically sends more delegates than other African nations.

Noteworthy individuals, such as UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu and BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu, were mentioned as part of the delegation, promoting sustainability and climate action through their philanthropic efforts. The Presidency emphasized that these business leaders and their accompanying staff are not funded by the Federal Government.

Truth Live News gathered that Mr Ajayi emphasized the diverse participation at the summit, involving government agencies, business leaders, environmentalists, climate activists, journalists, and youth organizations. He defended the attendance of President Tinubu, stating that the delegation is engaged in serious business rather than a mere jamboree.

The aide provided insight into Tinubu’s busy schedule, spending over 18 hours daily in important sessions, bilateral meetings, and discussions on the sidelines. The Presidency reiterated the significance of Nigeria’s participation, citing the country’s economic reliance on extractive industries and the need for the West to support alternative and clean energy sources.

The clarification hopes to put to rest misconceptions surrounding the funding and purpose of the Nigerian delegation at the C08 summit.