…As Nigeria joins 49 Nations in drafting fair climate transition
Iruoma Okpalaebube
Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to a low-carbon economy through a people-centered just transition framework that safeguards livelihoods and drives economic diversification.
This as experts and labour leaders have called for concrete policies to protect vulnerable workers and communities during Nigeria’s energy shift.
The federal government expressed the commitment at the final national stakeholders’ consultation on the development of Nigeria’s Just Transition Guideline held in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
With the stakeholders consultation workshop, Nigeria joins 49 Nations in drafting fair climate transition.
The Director-General and CEO of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS), Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe, emphasised that Nigeria’s transition will be rooted in social inclusion and economic resilience.
“Just Transition is about ensuring that as we move towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future, no one is left behind,” she said. “We must proactively create decent green jobs while protecting existing livelihoods. It’s about empowering our workforce with new skills and safeguarding vulnerable communities against disruptions.”
The session, organised with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Labour Organisation (ILO), and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), marked the conclusion of a national consultation process that had earlier stops in Abuja, Lagos, and Kano.
The development of the Just Transition Guideline aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the Climate Change Act, and the National Development Plan, all of which prioritise sustainable economic growth in line with global climate goals.
Represented by Assistant Director, NCCCS, Mr Bala Najega, Dr Maduekwe concluded with a call to action as the process moves toward final validation.
“This isn’t just about infrastructure or regulations, it is profoundly about people,” she said. “Your contributions today will shape the final Just Transition Guideline for Nigeria.”
UN agencies representative at the workshop, Stephen Agugua, stressed the urgency of an actionable national framework.
“The overall aim is to guide all sectors toward a sustainable and equitable future that emphasizes ‘leave no one behind’,” he said. “This is not just a policy exercise, it’s about jobs, justice, and survival.”
Agugua noted that 49 countries globally have committed to placing employment at the heart of climate action, in line with the Paris Agreement’s call for a just transition of the workforce.
“This action plan will also align with the strategic objectives of the United Nations values emphasises the strategic partnership between the Government of Nigeria and the UN System, with the goal to promote inclusive and sustainable economic development to sustain the country drive to low-carbon economy.
On the global scene, 49 countries have committed to placing employment at the heart of ambitious climate action and to promoting a just transition. As at today, 195 nations have ratified the Paris Agreement.
This agreement acknowledges the need for a just transition of the workforce, emphasising the creation of decent work and quality jobs as part of climate action. A just transition ensures that the shift to a low-carbon economy is equitable and inclusive, minimising negative social and economic impacts on workers and communities”, Agugua added.
Labour stakeholders seized the moment to demand firmer guarantees from government. Climate Focal Person of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), John Moses, called for the immediate inclusion of workers in transition planning through a formal commission.
“The workplace is the natural site for climate change. Most of the emissions happen there, and workers bear the burden,” he said. “Decent work pillars must be at the heart of Nigeria’s Just Transition Guideline.”
The NLC presented policy briefs and a Climate Justice Strategic Action Plan and reiterated the need for a Just Transition Commission, with labour representation to monitor implementation.
Meanwhile, energy expert, Prof Emmanuel Oladipo emphasised that Nigeria must use its fossil fuel revenues wisely while preparing for a clean energy future.
Prof Oladipo, a retired professor of climatology, warned against premature divestment from oil and gas without first securing national development goals.
“As much as the world is moving to cleaner energy, we in Nigeria still need to use fossil fuels to develop our country,” he said. “The government should use funds from fossil fuels to invest in renewables.”
In his part, Dr Moses Bereiweriso of the Rivers State Ministry of Environment said cutting energy consumption is not realistic now, saying that “Air pollution is inevitable, but through better practices and new green energy resources, we can attenuate environmental damage”.