“I have decided to stay back” – Akpabio cancels Dubai trip amid backlash over Nigeria’s COP28 delegation

In the wake of public outcry over Nigeria’s extensive 1,411-delegate contingent to the COP28 Climate Change Summit accompanying President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio has cancelled his planned trip.

The decision comes as Nigerians express outrage over the sizeable delegation.

Minister of Information Mohammed Idris clarified that the government funded only 422 delegates, yet public discontent persisted.

Akpabio, addressing concerns during a 2024 budget retreat in Abuja, cited public criticism as the reason behind his cancellation.

Opting to prioritize budget defence sessions with government agencies, he nominated a representative from Cote d’Ivoire to attend the summit in his place.

“I have decided to stay back and I asked somebody from Cote d’Ivoire to represent me there,” Akpabio said.