The Presidency has addressed the recent uproar over the substantial number of delegates representing Nigeria at the ongoing climate change conference in Dubai.

Over the weekend, widespread criticism emerged from Nigerians as the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) published a list indicating that Nigeria had 1,411 accredited delegates at the conference.

This revelation triggered a wave of disapproval on social media, with many citizens accusing President Bola Tinubu of overseeing an extravagant administration during austerity. Seeking to rectify the public's perception, Fredrick Nwabufo, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement, stated on Monday, December 4, 2023.

Nwabufo clarified that the federal government-funded delegation to the conference is, at most, 422 individuals. He detailed the delegation's composition, including representatives from the National Council on Climate Change, the Federal Ministry of Environment, various ministries, the Presidency, the Office of the Vice President, the National Assembly, and Federal Parastatals and Agencies.

Emphasizing Nigeria's status as Africa's largest economy and most populous country, Nwabufo justified the significant delegation, asserting that the nation's active participation in climate action is warranted. He highlighted the potential for investment and partnerships presented at COP-28, asserting that Nigeria has already benefited from its engagement.

This marks the second instance within 24 hours that the Presidency has addressed the controversy surrounding the delegation to the climate summit in Dubai. Tope Ajayi, a presidential spokesperson, previously stated that Nigeria's higher number of delegates than other African countries is reasonable due to its status as the continent's largest economy. Ajayi emphasized that the delegation list is not meant for frivolous purposes, contrary to how it has been misrepresented on social media.