Sunday, June 14, 2026
FB X LI YT
Breaking
ABIOLA AND THE ANCIENT JOURNEY OF JUNE 12 – By Dare Babarinsa, CON Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Group Chairman of Oodua Investment Company Limited, speaks at the Think Yoruba First 4th Global Conference. A proud moment for Yoruba land as he addresses the gathering on regional unity and progress. Representative from the DAWN Commission speaks at the Think Yoruba First 4th Global Conference, addressing the gathering on regional integration, collaboration with Think Yoruba First, and the future of Yoruba land in a multipolar world. The event was held in partnership with the DAWN Commission. Otunba Deji Osibogun, Convener of Yoruba Koya Leadership and Training Foundation, speaks at the Think Yoruba First 4th Global Conference. He addressed the gathering on leadership development, grassroots mobilisation, and the urgent need to build the next generation of Yoruba leaders. Oba Francis Olusola Alao, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon Kingdom, speaks at the Think Yoruba First 4th Global Conference. The royal father spoke on the critical role of traditional institutions in securing the nation and praised Think Yoruba First for their tireless work in advancing the cause of Yoruba land, declaring that the movement is the future of Yoruba progress and unity. “No One Is More Qualified Than Me” – Senator Dickson Declares Obi Not Doing NDC Any Favour Caribbean Nation Opens Doors: Grenada Grants Nigerians Visa-Free Access, Seeks Direct Flights and Investment Economic Invasion, Physical and Psychological Warfare on Yoruba Land
NEWS

COP30: Presidency, Obi Clash Over 423-Man Nigeria Delegation

November 17, 2025 • 2 min read

November 17, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke

A fresh controversy has erupted between the Presidency and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, over the size of Nigeria’s delegation to the COP30 Climate Summit.

The clash began after Obi criticised the Federal Government for approving a 423-man contingent for the global climate conference scheduled to hold later this year. Obi argued that Nigeria, facing economic strain and rising public debt, should not fund such a large delegation, describing the move as wasteful and insensitive.

In a statement on Sunday, the former Anambra State governor said climate conferences should be used to advance national interests, attract green investments, and strengthen environmental policy, not to “sponsor political allies, hangers-on, or tourists.”

The Presidency swiftly rejected Obi’s claims, insisting that his comments were misleading and failed to reflect the structure of international climate events. Presidential spokespersons explained that Nigeria did not fund the entire 423-person list, noting that the official government delegation was significantly smaller, while the remainder comprised delegates sponsored by states, private organisations, civil society groups, and climate-focused NGOs.

According to the Presidency, participation at COP meetings is open to multiple sectors, and the country’s representation reflects Nigeria’s broad stakeholder involvement in climate negotiations.

Government officials further defended the size of the delegation, saying Nigeria stands to benefit from climate financing opportunities, technology transfers, and international partnerships opportunities they argue require strong multisectoral representation.

Obi, however, has maintained his position, urging the government to prioritise fiscal discipline and reduce the cost of governance. He criticised what he described as “a culture of excessive foreign trips” and called for a smaller, more efficient delegation focused strictly on climate diplomacy.

The exchange has sparked public debate, with analysts split between the need for broad participation in global climate policy and concerns over the cost implications of large foreign delegations in a struggling economy.