By James Agbor
The Federal Government in partnership with critical stakeholders in the environment sector have commenced plans to develop Nigeria’s Just Transition Guideline to ensure the country’s transition to an inclusive and equitable low-carbon economy.
This was disclosed in a workshop for the development of Nigeria’s Just Transition Guideline organised by the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and the United Nations Development Programme.
Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe said Nigeria’s climate policies must secure livelihoods, supports vulnerable communities, and fosters shared economic growth.
Maduekwe, who is also the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, noted that climate-related policy frameworks like Nigeria’s National Development Plan, Energy Transition Plan, National Bioeconomy Strategic Framework and Climate Change Act, amongst others, provide a blueprint for inclusive and sustainable economic transformation.
Represented by Halima Bawa-Bwari, she explained that a Just Transition framework will ensure that the shift to renewable energy and a low-carbon future aligns with this vision by integrating policies that safeguard workers and communities, particularly those dependent on fossil fuel-based industries, anchored on sustainability, economic inclusion and resilience.
Earlier, Mr Stephen Agugua in his joint goodwill message for UNDP and UNIDO emphasised that the development of the guideline is crucial to addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon economy.
According to the UN bodies, Nigeria is committed to its international obligations, including the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, as it aims to address climate change and promote sustainable development in the country.
“The Nigerian government has already taken significant steps towards sustainable development and climate action, such as the ongoing revision of the Nationally Determined Contributions, the National Development Plan, and the establishment of a National Council on Climate Change, demonstrate the commitment to address climate change and promote sustainable economic growth.
“The Just Transition Roadmap will build upon and align with these existing policy frameworks, providing a coherent and strategic approach to the transition of Nigeria to a low-carbon economy.
“This is also significant to the country’s workforce and labour sector, ensuring decent work, social protection, and workers’ rights are protected throughout the transition process,” he said.
He also stated that the plan will prioritise job creation, skills development, gender-responsive policies, and capacity-building to facilitate the transition of vulnerable sectors from carbon-intensive industries to emerging green sectors.
He added that the roadmap aligns with the UN’s strategic objectives by emphasising the partnership between the government and the UN system to promote inclusive and sustainable economic development, focusing on Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
