The recent dispute surrounding Nigeria’s 1,411 delegates at the ongoing COP28 climate summit in Dubai has sparked serious concerns about the government’s commitment to reducing governance costs in the face of escalating inflation and economic challenges. This arises as the administration continually urges citizens to endure hardships and make sacrifices, leading to widespread criticism that the government is not aligning its actions with its appeals.
President Bola Tinubu’s arrival in Dubai with the largest African delegation, totaling 1,411 individuals, has drawn widespread condemnation, especially given Nigeria’s economic struggles. Many Nigerians have expressed dismay at the high number of delegates, the third-highest at COP28, amid the economic suffering caused by government policies. This criticism follows the government’s claims of inheriting an ’empty treasury’ and ‘bankruptcy,’ as inflation rises and citizens face increased poverty.
Despite public outcry and calls for measures to reduce the cost of governance, the government has not taken visible steps in that direction. Instead, substantial funds have been allocated for a presidential yacht, state house vehicles, and the renovation of presidential lodges, further aggravating public discontent.
In response to criticism, the Presidency clarified that only a fraction of the 1,411 delegates were sponsored by the Federal Government. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, emphasized that a significant portion of the contingent consisted of private sector players, civil society organizations, and delegates from Nigeria’s oil-producing Niger Delta region. However, on Monday, the federal government acknowledged funding 422 delegates to the climate summit.
Various figures and discrepancies in official statements have fueled skepticism and dissatisfaction among the public. Critics, including the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have lambasted the administration for what they perceive as an extravagant and wasteful delegation.
In an interview, Dr. Reuben Abati criticized the lack of coordination in the government’s response, pointing out contradictions between statements from different spokespersons. Meanwhile, civil society groups and public affairs analysts have raised concerns about the moral justification for sending such a large delegation, considering the pressing issues of poverty and hunger within the country. Calls for the government to prioritize essential needs over frivolous expenses and to address the nation’s critical challenges continue to resonate.