Presidency defends Nigeria COP30 delegation, citing multidisciplinary representation to advance national interests in climate negotiations
Nigeria COP30 delegation faces scrutiny over its size, with critics questioning the necessity of sending 749 delegates to the climate talks in Belém, Brazil. Former presidential candidate Peter Obi criticized the government, calling it a “misplaced priority” given Nigeria’s poverty levels and limited resources.
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In response, the Presidency explained that Nigeria COP30 delegation includes officials from multiple ministries and agencies because climate negotiations span energy, finance, environment, transport, agriculture, and security.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Temitope Ajayi, stated that government representation is required across all subject areas to safeguard national interests.
Ajayi also clarified that a large portion of attendees are non-state actors—civil society, NGOs, academics, and private-sector participants—whose registrations are listed under Nigeria but not government-funded. He emphasized that private-sector leaders like Dangote or Tony Elumelu attending the summit do not imply government sponsorship.
The delegation includes core climate agencies, energy and extractive regulators, marine and transport agencies, state representatives, National Assembly members, universities, development commissions, and affiliated private-sector and civil-society actors. A total of 1,453 Nigerians were registered for COP30, of which 749 are from government agencies.
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The Presidency maintains that Nigeria must be fully represented where key decisions on climate finance, carbon markets, and energy transition are made, insisting that criticisms lack the necessary context and nuance.
