In response to public outrage surrounding Nigeria’s significant delegation of 1,411 members to the COP28 Climate Change Summit in Dubai, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has decided to cancel his scheduled trip to the United Arab Emirates.
Nigeria’s delegation, ranking third in size at the summit, includes government officials, representatives from the private sector, and members of civil society organizations.
Despite the controversy, the federal government, as clarified by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, asserts that it only funded 422 delegates.
The parliamentary segment of the conference, slated to commence on Tuesday, was anticipated to attract legislators from around the world.
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However, Akpabio, originally set to attend the session in Dubai, opted to remain in Nigeria, citing concerns about potential criticism from the public.
Speaking at a one-day retreat focused on the 2024 budget in Abuja, the Senate President explained his decision, emphasizing a desire to concentrate on the ongoing 2024 budget defense sessions with various government agencies.
Akpabio reassured attendees, stating, “I have decided to stay back, and I asked somebody from Cote d’Ivoire to represent me there.”