Stakeholders in the environmental sector have been urged to work together to develop a Just Transition Guideline that will serve as a model for inclusive climate action, economic transformation, and social equity in Nigeria.
The Director General, National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, NCCCS, and Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe stated this in Abuja Nigeria’s capital at a workshop on developing a Just Transition Roadmap for Nigeria organised in collaboration with ILO, UNDP and UNIDO.
Represented by the Director of the Council Secretariat, Mrs Halima Bawa-Bwari, Dr Maduekwe said the workshop marks a significant step in shaping a comprehensive Just Transition Guideline that reflects Nigeria’s realities and aspirations.
“We recognize that a Just Transition is not solely an environmental or economic issue it is a social imperative, It requires the active collaboration of government, private sector stakeholders, civil society, and development partners to design policies that mitigate potential disruptions while maximizing new opportunities.”
“The Just Transition Guideline we are developing will be instrumental in achieving these targets through socially responsible and economically viable strategies.” She said
She emphasized that Climate related policy framework like the Nigeria’s National Development Plan, Energy Transition Plan, National Bioeconomy Strategic Framework and the Climate Change Act, will provides a blueprint for inclusive and sustainable economic transformation.
“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.” She explained.
According to her, “the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to sustainable development is clearly reflected in the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic prosperity, job creation, and social inclusion.”
“As we implement our climate policies and transition to a green economy, it is imperative that we do so in a way that secures livelihoods, supports vulnerable communities, and fosters shared economic growth—leaving no one behind.”
In a joint address by the ILO, UNDP and UNIDO presented by Mr Stephen Agugua, the development of a Just Transition Action Plan or a Roadmap as a National guideline for all sectors is crucial to addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon economy.
He said Nigeria is committed to its international obligations including the Paris Agreement and the sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, as it aims to address climate change and promote sustainable development in the country.
Mr Agugua, noted that the Just Transition Roadmap will build upon and align with the existing policy frameworks, providing a coherent and strategic approach to the transition of Nigeria to a low-carbon economy.
“The Nigerian government has already taken significant steps towards sustainable development and climate action. Such as the ongoing revision of the National Determined Contributions NDCs, National Development Plan, NDP, and the establishment of a National Council on Climate Change NCCC, demonstrate the commitment to climate change and promote sustainable economic growth.” he said.
He further stressed that the alignment of the Just Transition Roadmap with the strategic objectives of the United Nations values emphasized 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.
Mr Agugua noted that the International labour Organisation, ILO, advocates for a just transition, fostering environmentally sustainable economies inclusively with a commitment to creating decent work and reducing poverty.
According to him, “guidelines from the ILO provide an internationally established policy framework that defines the concept of a Just Transition.
“Under the Climate Promise Initiative UNDP is now supporting 34 countries and territories around the world to strengthen Just Transition principles and processes, since 2010 UNIDO has supported the creation of regional sustainable energy centres across the Global South to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. “
He added that the overall aim of developing a Just Transition Action Plan as a National Guideline is to provide a clear framework and actionable strategies to guide all sectors in the country towards a sustainable and equitable future that emphasizes “Leave no one behind “
In his remarks ICAT Director, Dr Henning Wueste, explained that addressing climate change requires a fundamental transformation of economies worldwide, adding that Economies worldwide are making efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions substantially by 2030.
“Nigeria has an ambitious climate agenda and a commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, which means a complete change of the economy. In its current nationally determined contributions, Nigeria has set a target to unconditionally reduce emissions by 20% by 2030 and by 47% conditionally, with international support. The NDC 3.0 being developed is expected to be even more ambitious.” Dr stated.
He explained that ICAT is committed to working with Nigeria to help develop its Transition guidelines and build the transparency frameworks needed to implement the Paris Agreement, the central global mechanism to address the climate challenge.
Representative from the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs Yusuf Zaniab Kabir, commended the laudable initiative of the NCCCS for its efforts in developing the Just Transition from fossil fuel to a more greener economy, while calling for a more inclusive and fair approach.
“Let’s us all work together to create a cleaner more sustainable Nigeria for generations to come.” She added.
The objectives of the workshop is to introduce and validate the proposed Just Transition Guideline for Nigeria and also engage stakeholders from key sectors in discussions on Guideline development to align national efforts with global best practices and funding opportunities.
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