Fg Clarifies Delegation Size To Cop-28 Amidst Media Controversy

In response to recent media claims regarding the size of the Nigerian delegation to the Convention of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has provided clarification that the federal government sponsored only 422 delegates to the event. Contrary to speculations, Idris emphasized that the ongoing COP-28, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, boasted a significant international presence, with more than 70,000 participants and delegates representing over 100 countries. Addressing the public discourse surrounding the delegation's composition, he underscored that the presence of President Tinubu and other officials from the Federal government in Dubai was centered on serious climate-related matters, not a mere jamboree. In a detailed breakdown, Minister Idris stated, "It is imperative to point out that the overall Nigerian delegation to COP-28 comprises Government-sponsored (Federal and State Governments) and non-government-sponsored participants (from Private Companies, NGOs, CSOs, Media, academia, etc)." The federal government-funded delegation, according to the minister, consists of a total of 422 individuals. The breakdown is as follows: 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 Federal Parastatals/Agencies = 73 Minister Idris reiterated the commitment of the federal government to ensure openness and accessibility in communicating information related to the COP-28 delegation.