President Bola Tinubu has come under scrutiny for leading a large delegation, totaling 1,411 delegates, to the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. This move has raised concerns about the significant cost of the delegation, which includes cabinet ministers, civil servants, the president’s son, and media representatives. The expense, at a time when the country faces economic challenges, has sparked criticism, especially considering the removal of fuel subsidies leading to hardships for citizens.
Despite Nigeria having the third-largest delegation at the summit, there are questions about the necessity of such a large number of delegates. The president had previously expressed resistance to Western emission policies in 2022, citing Nigeria’s underdevelopment and the need for financial support from developed countries before committing to emission cuts.
Critics argue that the lavish spending on international trips contradicts the austerity measures imposed on Nigerians. President Tinubu’s administration has faced backlash for policy decisions, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, contributing to increased poverty levels in the country.
This incident follows previous instances of significant spending on international trips, including a $500,000 hotel stay in Manhattan and a $1 million expenditure during a trip to India and the UAE. The use of estacodes in dollars for aides has also raised concerns amid the country’s acute dollar shortages.
As criticism mounts, the president’s spokesperson has not provided immediate comments, citing a busy schedule during the ongoing trip. The situation highlights the challenges of balancing international commitments with domestic economic concerns.
