The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, stated that Tinubu warned his cabinet members before the Federal government delegation departed Nigeria for the Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.
Controversy arose on social media last week due to the high number of Nigerian delegates attending the COP28, prompting discussions and criticisms.
The Presidency issued a statement clarifying that some of the delegates at the COP28 were not financially supported by the Federal government.
Before the COP28 conference, Tinubu reportedly warned his cabinet members during a Federal Executive Council meeting that those without a legitimate reason to be in Dubai for the conference should not go.
Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu, revealed in an interview with TVC that Tinubu had issued prior warnings, emphasizing that individuals using taxpayers’ money for unnecessary trips would face sanctions and risk losing their jobs.
Tinubu had previously addressed this issue before the UN General Assembly in September, stating that he would prune down delegation numbers and sanction those without a valid purpose for attending international summits.