Nigeria TV Info 

COP30: Obi Condemns Nigeria’s 749‑Member Delegation; Presidency Faces Backlash

Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, has strongly criticised the Tinubu-led government for sending a 749‑member Nigerian delegation to COP30 in Brazil. Obi described the large contingent as a “spectacle” and a “misplaced priority,” arguing that taxpayer funds are being diverted at a time when about 150 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty.

He contrasted Nigeria’s economic plight with China’s, noting that China sent slightly more delegates (789) but enjoys a much higher Human Development Index and stronger fiscal capacity. Obi urged that the money spent on hundreds of officials travelling abroad could instead be used to improve healthcare, education, and basic services at home.

This is not the first time Obi has raised the issue: he previously criticised Nigeria’s 1,411‑strong delegation to COP28, calling it wasteful.

Meanwhile, the Presidency has in past COPs defended large delegations, citing the need for broad representation (government, private sector, NGOs, media) and insisting not all attendees are government‑funded.