COP28 summit: Tinubu not insensitive to allow wastage – Presidency clarifies 1,411 delegation

The Presidency has responded to the public outcry concerning the list of 1,411 delegates scheduled to attend the COP28 Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, clarifying that President Tinubu is not insensitive to permit wasteful spending at a time when efforts are being made to reduce extravagant expenditures on subsidies and foreign exchange, directly affecting citizens.

Reports of dissatisfaction emerged over the composition of the Nigerian delegation to the Climate Change summit, prompting questions on the inclusion of certain names on the alleged list.

In a post via his X handle on Sunday, Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, addressed the outrage, stating that the summit is not exclusive to government officials or civil servants.

Olusegun explained that the United Nations (UN) had requested various bodies and private sector members to submit delegate lists, with many being sponsored by entities such as the World Bank and the European Union. He emphasized that the federal government is responsible for covering the costs of its immediate staff, constituting a small fraction of the overall delegates.

While acknowledging reservations about some names on the list, Olusegun highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to eliminating wasteful spending. He clarified that the Climate Change Summit’s delegation includes representatives from the National Council on Climate Change, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NSIAs, NGOs, and others.

Olusegun further explained that the delegation list is unified, encompassing both government and non-government representatives. The President’s delegation covers individuals from ministries, NGOs, private sectors, and parastatals, all categorized as “Nigeria’s Delegation.”

He underscored that foreign organizations may sponsor individuals of Nigerian nationality, and various panels, discussions, and programs are organized by different entities within the Nigerian Pavilion at COP 28.

In conclusion, Olusegun affirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to prudent financial management and expressed optimism about the gains expected from the summit.