The Labour Party has condemned Nigeria’s staggering delegation to COP-28 in Dubai, denouncing it as a reckless display of excess by the All Progressives Congress (APC administration.
In a statement signed by its national publicity secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party said the move contradicts the APC-led government advocating belt-tightening while squandering resources on a seemingly extravagant expedition.
With Nigeria facing economic challenges, including borrowing to meet obligations, the party questioned the rationale behind such an exorbitant delegation, asserting that it reflects the government’s disregard for citizen welfare in favour of satisfying the opulent lifestyles of those in power and their associates.
Citing diplomatic channels and existing resources such as trained diplomats and embassies, the party contends that these avenues could adequately represent Nigeria’s interests at the summit without such an oversized delegation.
”Inflation is at all time high the security situation is dire with killings, kidnappings and all forms of violence being unleashed on Nigerians by non-state actors.
”This administration and its officials appear not to have a clue as to what to do to deal with these challenges but take every opportunity to hop on planes at tax payers expense to escape from the country under the guise of looking for direct foreign investments.
”Like our presidential candidate in the 2023 election Mr. Peter Obi, has alway said, we must end this culture of waste and improve our capacity for production in order to compete at the global stage.
”We must begin to look inwards to improve our productivity by supporting local businesses, cut the cost of governance and operate a lean bureaucracy in order to ensure Nigerians get real value for money,” the party said.