1,411 Nigerians With Tinubu at COP28 today: Presidency Breaks Silence Amid Criticism

The Presidency has provided clarity on the substantial representation of 1,411 Nigerian delegates accompanying President Bola Tinubu at the ongoing COP28 in Dubai. Addressing the mounting controversies, Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, highlighted that not all Nigerian attendees were sponsored by the federal government.

In a detailed statement titled ‘Nigeria at COP28: Separating the facts from fiction,’ Ajayi shed light on the diverse composition of the Nigerian delegation, encompassing business leaders, environmentalists, climate activists, and journalists. The explanation sought to dispel misconceptions circulating in social media discussions over the past 24 hours.

Ajayi emphasized the essential nature of COP summits, bringing together global stakeholders—government officials, private sector representatives, civil society members, media personnel, and multilateral institutions—to collectively address the pressing concerns of climate change. Nigeria’s representation included officials from federal and sub-national governments, business magnates, environmental advocates, journalists, and several government agencies like NNPC, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, NIMASA, and NDDC. Additionally, various youth organizations from impacted regions and the President of Ijaw Youth Council led specific Nigerian delegations, with over 20 journalists from diverse media outlets also participating.

The statement clarified that delegates from different sectors attended COP conferences, registered under their respective countries of origin, with their attendance not necessarily government-sponsored. With Nigeria being Africa’s largest economy and having a substantial stake in climate action due to its significant extractive industry, its delegation size was expectedly larger than other African countries.

Furthermore, prominent figures like UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu and BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu, along with other influential personalities promoting sustainability and climate initiatives through their businesses, formed part of the Nigerian delegation. Notably, their presence in Dubai was self-funded and not supported by the Federal Government.

The COP28 event attracted a considerable global turnout, with almost 100 Heads of States and Governments, renowned politicians, corporate leaders, journalists, and activists converging to address critical climate issues. The summit, pivotal in addressing climate concerns, commenced technical sessions, negotiations, and financing from December 4 to December 12, aiming to reach agreements on various proposals.

Nigerian State Governors such as Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, and Umo Eno were actively engaged, presenting sustainability projects and seeking partnerships at COP28. Similarly, multifaceted stakeholders from countries like China and Brazil, recognizing the decisions’ significance, ensured comprehensive representation to protect their interests.

President Tinubu, alongside other Federal government officials, is earnestly advocating for Africa’s fair share and climate justice, demanding equitable decisions in the energy transition debate. His committed engagement at COP28 emphasizes the seriousness with which Nigeria approaches global climate concerns.

President Tinubu’s rigorous schedule reflects a dedication to representing Nigeria’s interests diligently, with tireless efforts spanning 18 hours daily since his arrival in Dubai.