The Presidency has broken its silence following widespread criticism over the size of Nigeria’s delegation to the upcoming COP30 climate summit.
Earlier, former presidential candidate Peter Obi condemned the Bola Tinubu administration for what he described as a “stunning display of misplaced priorities,” after reports revealed that 749 Nigerians were registered for the global climate conference.
Responding to the backlash, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, argued that the composition of the delegation reflects the complexity of global climate negotiations rather than government excess.
In an interview with Punch, Ajayi explained that climate-related discussions cut across several critical sectors—including energy, finance, transport, agriculture, security, and environmental management—making broad representation necessary.
“Because climate issues are multidisciplinary and multidimensional, officials from various ministries and agencies must be present to defend Nigeria’s interests across all negotiation tracks,” he said.
“The matters on the table are extensive, and the government cannot afford to be absent at any point where decisions affecting the country are being shaped.”
Ajayi also clarified that the bulk of individuals listed under Nigeria’s delegation are not government representatives but independent participants such as civil society groups, activists, and private-sector experts.
“A large number of participants at COP events are non-state actors. Their names are recorded under the country they register from, but that doesn’t mean they are sponsored by government,” he noted.
“If members of Environmental Rights Action or climate-focused NGOs attend, they are listed under Nigeria because that is their home country. The government is not footing their bills.”
He added that the same principle applies to high-profile business leaders and private sector players who attend on their own accord.
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“If Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Kola Adesina or any major energy-sector figure decides to attend COP, it doesn’t automatically place them under government sponsorship,” Ajayi emphasized.
The Presidency maintained that Nigeria’s broad representation is essential to securing the country’s interests at the global climate talks, urging the public to distinguish between government delegates and independent participants.
