Olamide Francis
The UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP) is the place to take all global climate issues to for discussion and action (which we rarely see in the past few years). I don’t want to delve into what has been achieved so far at the conference this week because there’s nothing much to say about that. However, the growing size of national delegations, especially from third world nations that’s supposed to be disciplined with public funds deserves an assessment.
Nigerians are in pain, severe pain at that, but we have sent 634 delegates to COP29. Although this is lower than the 1441 that went to the UAE last year, we still need to reconsider how public funds are allocated for international summits. Despite the real importance of climate change discussions, Nigeria’s extensive delegation size to COP29 represents a misuse of funds that could be more effectively directed to domestic issues affecting millions of Nigerians daily.
If it interests you, the first week of COP29 has been nothing short of disarray, and I’m not surprised. One full business week has gone yet the majority haven’t concluded on subjects like fossil fuels, renewable energy and the like. As the UK is pledging to cut carbon emissions, the president of the host nation declares that oil and gas are gifts of God. It has truly been a case of multiple inconclusions like most Nigerian elections. As I write this, delegation offices and plenary halls are yet to negotiate a new climate finance mechanism, without which the Paris Agreement will be in grave danger.
Among all the African nations present at COP29, Nigeria’s delegation is the largest. Not only that, but we also unshakably occupy the eighth position in the list of national delegations at the summit, ahead of nations like Japan and the UK. Although some level of representation at global climate discussions is necessary, the scale of Nigeria’s delegation is not only excessive but also indicative of a troubling trend. Nigeria’s delegation size at COP29 sits in stark contrast to those of countries like the US (405 delegates), the UK (470), and even France, which decreased its delegation size significantly this year.
This expansion is particularly concerning given that Nigeria’s economic situation is markedly strained, with inflation, high levels of unemployment, and inadequate public services afflicting citizens. The defence the presidency gave last year was that Nigeria has a substantial stake in climate action due to its extensive extractive economy and so the size of the Nigerian delegation reflects the country’s pivotal position. But we are yet to see what dividend the crowd brought home from the event.
Sending large delegations to international conferences comes at a substantial cost. The financial strain associated with sending over 600 delegates abroad includes not only travel expenses but also accommodation, security, daily allowances, and other incidentals. In a year when inflation has soared, the naira has weakened, and the cost of living has escalated, it’s hard to justify these expenditures as a wise use of Nigeria’s limited financial resources. Meanwhile, the funds used to finance such a large delegation could have been invested in healthcare, education, and environmental protection at home.
The funds spent on COP29 delegates could directly support community-led initiatives addressing climate-related challenges locally. For example, allocating these resources to initiatives like sustainable agriculture, flood resilience projects, and renewable energy infrastructure would have an immediate impact on Nigeria’s vulnerable communities, especially in areas that are directly affected by climate change. Nigeria faces significant environmental challenges, from desertification in the north to severe flooding in various states. By reinvesting in practical, on-the-ground projects, Nigeria would likely see a more measurable impact on both climate resilience and quality of life for its citizens. There is nothing wrong with sending a few people for negotiation purposes and letting others join the summit virtually.
Nigeria is at a critical juncture in its environmental management efforts. The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly visible across the country, and environmental degradation continues to exacerbate socioeconomic challenges, yet the response has often been fragmented and underfunded. In fact, Nigeria ranks as the 123rd most climate-vulnerable country and among the least prepared for adaptation globally, according to the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index. Like I wrote two weeks ago, climate change could further harm Nigeria’s agricultural yields, already threatened by droughts and floods. In this context, public funds should be prioritised toward solving specific domestic environmental issues, rather than sending a large delegation abroad to observe and participate in broad international debates that could equally be represented with a smaller, more focused group.
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By contrast, COP29 host Azerbaijan’s delegation of 2,229 representatives is driven largely by logistical needs as the hosting country. Nigeria’s sizeable delegation lacks this practical justification, pointing instead to an inefficient approach to representation that may be fuelled by political motives. With international travel often perceived as a perk, these large delegations can also serve as avenues for rewarding loyalists and providing networking opportunities for officials without necessarily producing tangible benefits for the country’s climate policies. Last year, we saw all kinds of people who had no business with climate on Nigeria’s delegation list – people who may not be on the list were the location to be in Benin Republic or Chad because it might not be ‘posh’ enough for them. But they jumped on the UAE train last year because it may be a long time before another opportunity for the prosperous nation comes considering the travel ban on Nigerians.
Like I mentioned in a few paragraphs before, Nigeria’s delegation to COP29 could have been substantially reduced while maintaining effective representation. For example, a team of focused specialists, including government officials, environmental experts, and negotiators, could achieve a strong presence at COP29 with around 10 to 15 key representatives. This smaller group could still advocate for Nigeria’s position on climate financing, renewable energy access, and international cooperation on climate resilience, without incurring the exorbitant costs associated with a delegation of 634 people.
Sending a large delegation also raises questions about coordination and communication, as larger groups tend to be harder to manage, which can dilute their impact. A focused delegation, made up of carefully selected individuals who have the expertise and experience necessary to engage in meaningful negotiations, would not only reduce costs but also increase Nigeria’s ability to effectively contribute to discussions on climate change policy.
In recent years, several countries have begun reassessing the size of their delegations to international conferences. For example, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which hosted COP28, reduced its delegation size by 3,148 this year. Other countries, including India and France, have also trimmed their COP delegations, demonstrating a conscious effort to balance representation with fiscal responsibility. Nigeria can take cues from these nations by prioritising effective representation over numerical presence.
Reducing delegation sizes doesn’t mean reducing a country’s influence or commitment to global issues like the excuse the presidency gave for its huge bandwagon last year. Rather, it signals a responsible approach to governance and public accountability. With virtual participation now increasingly possible, there’s less need for large in-person contingents. Nigeria could adopt a hybrid model where only essential personnel travel while others participate online, thereby cutting costs without diminishing the nation’s presence or influence at international forums.
The decision to send a large delegation to COP29 has significant implications for public trust. In a country like Nigeria where a substantial portion of the population struggles with poverty, unemployment, and inadequate social services, such displays of excessive spending send the wrong message. Nigerians deserve to know how their public funds are being used, and they have a right to expect that their leaders are acting in their best interest, particularly in challenging economic times.
Government transparency around delegation size, expenses, and outcomes of participation in such events could foster greater accountability. The extravagant list of delegates to last year’s COP was unknown to many Nigerians until it started flying around Nigeria social media – transparency matters. Nigeria’s citizens would benefit from a public record outlining the objectives and achievements of each delegate at COP29, making it clear how their participation aligns with the country’s climate goals. This would not only help justify future expenditures but also assure the public that their money is being used effectively.
The decision to send such a large delegation to COP29 highlights a need for greater discretion in the allocation of public funds. Nigeria’s leaders should prioritise a leaner, purpose-driven approach to international representation, reducing unnecessary expenditures and redirecting savings to address the real and immediate climate issues faced at home. By committing to more efficient use of resources, Nigeria can demonstrate responsible leadership that not only honours its commitments on the global stage but also serves the needs of its citizens.
In the face of escalating economic challenges, Nigeria’s government must exercise restraint and adopt a strategy that balances effective representation with fiscal responsibility. Moving forward, a smaller delegation can achieve the same goals, demonstrating that Nigeria is serious about both climate action and accountability to its people. Ultimately, responsible stewardship of public funds is essential not only for fostering sustainable development but also for maintaining the trust of the Nigerian people in their leaders’ dedication to improving the quality of life at home.
Olamide is a communications professional currently based in London, United Kingdom. He can be reached across social media platforms @olamidefrancis and via francisolamide1@gmail.com
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Kind Regards,
Olamide Francis
