The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has addressed public concerns regarding the number of delegates sponsored by the Federal Government to the ongoing Climate Summit, COP28, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
News About Nigeria gathered that a total of 1,411 Nigerians were reported to be in attendance at the summit, sparking criticism from citizens who questioned the appropriateness of such a large delegation given the country’s current economic challenges.
Idris, in a statement issued on Monday, sought to provide clarity on the matter.
He said the distinction between the government-sponsored and non-government-sponsored participants, stating that the Federal Government-funded delegation consists of 422 individuals.
The breakdown of the government-sponsored participants includes representatives from the National Council on Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, various ministries, the Presidency, Office of the Vice President, National Assembly, and federal parastatals/agencies.
“The Federal Government has noted with interest the public conversation on the number of delegates from Nigeria attending the ongoing Climate Summit in Dubai, otherwise called COP28, and the need to provide clarity in line with a standing pledge to conduct itself with transparency and accessibility regarding public information,” he said.
“The Federal Government-funded delegation is made up of a total of 422 persons: National Council on Climate Change (32); Federal Ministry of Environment (34); All Ministries (167); Presidency (67); Office of the Vice President (9); National Assembly (40); and Federal Parastatals/Agencies (73).”
Idris defended Nigeria’s substantial delegation, citing the country’s status as the largest economy and most populous nation in Africa with significant vulnerability to climate change.
He highlighted the importance of active and robust participation in COP-28 to address climate action.
Furthermore, President Tinubu hosted a meeting with stakeholders and investors during the COP28 summit, focusing on the Nigeria Carbon Market and the Electric Buses Rollout Programme.
Minister Idris concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency and accessibility in providing information to the public.
