Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate for the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has voiced his concerns over the size of the Nigerian delegation at the COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Obi criticized the decision to send over 1,000 individuals to the summit, describing it as a wasteful use of scarce resources by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Obi expressed his disappointment at the “huge contingent” from Nigeria in Dubai, highlighting the fact that many Nigerians struggle to afford basic necessities. He compared the delegation size and budget of Nigeria to that of China, stating that China’s budget for 2024 is approximately $4 trillion, allowing for about $2,860 per person, while Nigeria’s budget is about $33 billion, resulting in approximately $165 per person.
Despite China having a population seven times greater than Nigeria, Obi highlighted that Nigeria still has a higher number of people living in “Multi-Dimensional” poverty.
The former Governor of Anambra State asserted that a significant portion of the Nigerian delegation consists of non-relevant civil servants or relatives of high-ranking government officials. He expressed his concern over the use of public funds at a time when many Nigerians face economic hardships.
Obi emphasized the need to prioritize cutting the cost of governance and redirecting investments toward production. He called for a departure from unnecessary ceremony and showmanship in government behavior, stressing the importance of tying spending to necessity and national priorities. In his view, a New Nigeria can only be realized by implementing reasonable and necessary measures.
In response to the criticism, presidential aide Temitope Ajayi defended the delegation’s presence at the summit, stating that President Tinubu and other officials are in Dubai for serious business and not for a mere jamboree. Ajayi highlighted that various stakeholders from different countries, including Nigeria, participate in such events to ensure their voices are heard and their interests are protected.
