The ongoing Climate Change Summit (COP28) in Dubai has ignited a firestorm of criticism as Nigeria’s delegation count, totalling a staggering 1,411 individuals, significantly overshadows the 422 delegates officially sponsored by the Federal Government.
The glaring disparity has drawn sharp rebukes from political figures, civil society organizations, and the public, branding the delegation as excessive and wasteful of scarce resources.
Notable voices, including presidential contenders Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, respectively, have vehemently condemned the bloated representation.
The PDP, in particular, has demanded transparency, urging the government to unveil the delegate roster and called for a parliamentary probe into the matter.
They further insisted that President Tinubu be ready to reimburse expenses incurred by delegates deemed non-essential to the conference’s objectives.
Daily Trust reports that scrutiny of the delegate list has revealed a mix of individuals that extends beyond governmental representatives.
President Tinubu’s son, Seyi, accompanies various supporting staff such as chefs, luggage officers, stewards, and more than 50 personal assistants.
Strikingly, over 30 ministers and heads of government agencies, spanning portfolios from Environment, Water Resources, Foreign Affairs to Finance, Aviation, and Education, are also part of the delegation.
The list goes beyond conventional government representation, including personalities like actress and media figure Toke Makinwa, corporate affiliates from PZ Cussons, and members associated with Lagos State government and the Lagos State House of Assembly.
According to the United Nations ‘ observations, the revelation has thrust Nigeria into the spotlight as the third-largest delegation at COP28, trailing only behind China and Brazil.
An intricate breakdown shows significant representation from entities like the State House, National Council on Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, National Assembly, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd.
The contentious issue has sparked widespread debate, with calls for heightened accountability and prudence in utilizing public funds for international events of this scale.