The Nigerian presidency has issued a response to the widespread public outcry surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s inclusion of 1,411 delegates to the COP28 Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
According to reports from Media Talk Africa, the list of Nigerian delegates to the Climate Change summit has sparked outrage among Nigerians, particularly on social media, with many questioning the rationale behind the inclusion of certain individuals on the purported list.
Dada Olusegun, a presidential aide, addressed the outrage in a post on Sunday, explaining that the summit is not exclusive to government officials or civil servants. He clarified that the United Nations (UN) had requested various organizations and private sector members to submit a list of their delegates, with a significant number of them being sponsored by entities such as the World Bank and the European Union.
Olusegun emphasized that the federal government’s responsibility only extends to providing for its immediate staff, which forms a small fraction of the total delegates. He stressed that President Tinubu is keenly aware of the need to avoid wastage, especially at a time when efforts are being made to reduce unnecessary expenditure.
He further elaborated, stating, “The Climate Change Summit is not specific to just government officials. It also includes those of the National Council on Climate Change, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NSIAs, NGOs, and many others.”
In addition, Olusegun highlighted that the United Nations had also approached several private sector members, including notable figures such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu, to nominate their representatives for the summit. He emphasized that the delegation list has always comprised a small fraction of Nigerian government officials, as per the organizers’ request to accommodate diverse interests.
Furthermore, he underscored that Nigeria’s delegation list is inclusive, encompassing both government and non-government representatives, thereby ensuring the representation of a wide spectrum of interests.
The response from the presidency aims to provide clarity and context to the controversy surrounding the delegation list, shedding light on the broader framework within which the selection process took place and the diverse range of stakeholders involved.
Nigeria’s Participation in COP28: Insights into Delegation and Responsibilities
Nigeria’s representation at international summits such as the Conference of the Parties (COP) is a crucial avenue for the country to engage with global climate action efforts. As preparations continue for the upcoming COP28, it is imperative to examine Nigeria’s delegation, financial responsibilities, and the expectations surrounding the event.
The involvement of Nigeria’s delegation, comprising representatives from various sectors including the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private sector, and parastatals, is a testament to the country’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges on a global scale. Notably, Nigerian individuals may also be sponsored by foreign organizations, highlighting the multifaceted support for the country’s representation at COP28.
Within the Nigerian Pavilion at COP28, an array of panels convened by diverse entities, including ministries, private sectors, academia, and civil society organizations, signifies the comprehensive approach to articulating Nigeria’s stance on climate issues. Such collaborative efforts underscore the multifaceted nature of Nigeria’s engagement in global climate discourse.
It is essential to emphasize that ministers from Nigeria are expected to actively participate in the COP28 program at designated times. This participation underscores the significance attached to Nigeria’s contributions and positions the country to effectively collaborate with global partners in addressing climate change.
Clarification is warranted regarding the financial obligations associated with Nigeria’s delegation. The Federal Government (FG) is responsible for covering the expenses of its immediate staff only, representing a fraction of the total delegates. This delineation of financial responsibilities sheds light on the intricacies of resource allocation within the delegation.
Amidst discussions about the nomination of delegates by specific NGOs, it is pivotal to recognize President Tinubu’s sensitivity towards prudent expenditure. This awareness is particularly salient as Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, underlining the President’s commitment to curbing wasteful spending and prioritizing the country’s fiscal stability for the benefit of its citizens.
As the curtains draw close on COP28, the anticipation for Nigeria to leverage the event for substantial gains continues to mount. The concerted efforts of Nigeria’s delegation, under the leadership of President Tinubu, are poised to yield positive outcomes and solidify Nigeria’s position in the global climate discourse.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s tenure at COP28 epitomizes the country’s steadfast dedication to international climate action. The representation of diverse sectors, financial delineations, and strategic outlook underscore Nigeria’s proactive role in addressing global environmental challenges. With fervent hopes for a successful outcome, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to advancing the global climate agenda. “May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
By [Author’s Name], Media Talk Africa
