By Faridat Salifu
In an effort to align climate goals with social equity, the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) hosted a key stakeholders’ workshop on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, aimed at developing Nigeria’s Just Transition Guideline.
The event, held in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focused on crafting a roadmap that ensures Nigeria’s shift to a low-carbon economy uplifts workers and communities rather than leaving them behind.
Director-General of the NCCC, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, described the workshop as a milestone in building an inclusive, sustainable future.
“It is not just about technology or policy, it’s about people, livelihoods, and the future of our workforce,” she said.
Maduekwe emphasized that Nigeria’s transition must be equitable and anchored in the country’s broader development agenda under the Renewed Hope initiative of President Bola Tinubu.
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The guideline aims to protect communities reliant on fossil fuels while opening pathways for green jobs, skills development, and inclusive growth.
According to Maduekwe, key national frameworks like the Energy Transition Plan and the Climate Change Act provide the foundation for this people-centered shift.
Renowned climatologist Prof. Emmanuel Oladipo echoed the need for behavioral change, calling for climate action that avoids widening social inequalities.
“We must move away from fossil fuels in a way that does not leave anyone behind,” he said, highlighting the importance of capacity building and sustainable practices.
Steven Aguguo, Climate Action Coordinator at ILO, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting a just and inclusive transition, saying, “This is the right step at the right time.”
The workshop brought together voices from government, civil society, the private sector, labor unions, and development partners—each helping to shape a guideline that reflects Nigeria’s unique socio-economic and environmental realities.
