Nigerians have strongly criticized the event in which two government agencies, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), both headquartered in Abuja, left Nigeria to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Dubai.
The REA and NASENI are both under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and are located less than 10 kilometers apart in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
However, they chose to travel over to the United Arab Emirates to formalize their partnership on clean and accessible energy.
REA announced the signing of the MoU on its official Twitter handle [@realREANigeria] on Monday, December 4, 2023. The tweet included a photo of the REA Managing Director, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo, and the NASENI Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Mohammed Haruna, holding the signed document.
The tweet quoted Salihijo as saying: “This Memorandum of Understanding signifies not only a partnership but a pact to empower lives through the transformative power of clean and accessible energy. At the REA, we are inspired by the prospect of leveraging the strengths of both organizations. Together, we will navigate the intricate landscape of research and development, driving innovation that will redefine the energy landscape of our nation.”
The tweet also stated that the MoU was signed at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai, where both agencies were participating.
However, the tweet did not explain why the MoU could not have been signed in Nigeria, where both agencies have their headquarters and operate. It also did not disclose the cost and logistics of the trip, which involved flying across continents and staying in one of the most expensive cities in the world.
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The tweet sparked confusion and criticism from many Nigerians on social media, who questioned the rationale and necessity of the trip.
Some accused the agencies of wasting public funds and resources, while others wondered if the MoU was a cover-up for ulterior motives.
One Twitter user, @awlx277, wrote: “This is a disgrace to our country. Why do they have to go to Dubai to sign an MoU that has nothing to do with Dubai? Are they not ashamed of themselves? How much did they spend on this trip? Who approved it? #Abuja
Another user, @Bidounpen, commented What is the meaning of this m@dness? The two agencies are based in Abuja. @officialABAT this is wastefulness and a clear indictment of jamboree by govt officials at an important global event.