Stakeholders in Nigeria’s environmental sector are coming together to create a Just Transition Guideline. This guideline aims to create an inclusive approach to climate action, economic change, and social fairness.
Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, highlighted the importance of this initiative at a workshop in Abuja. The event was organized with support from ILO, UNDP, and UNIDO. She expressed that this guideline will help shape Nigeria’s future and align with its current realities and goals.
“A Just Transition isn’t just about the environment or economy; it’s about society as a whole,” Dr. Maduekwe stated. She emphasized the need for collaboration among government, businesses, civil society, and development partners. This teamwork will help create policies that not only minimize disruptions but also seize new opportunities.
The Just Transition Guideline will guide Nigeria toward sustainable economic transformation. Dr. Maduekwe pointed out existing frameworks like Nigeria’s National Development Plan and Climate Change Act as vital tools in this process. She added that the shift to renewable energy should also protect workers, especially those in fossil fuel industries.
Furthermore, she noted how President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to sustainable development, emphasizing job creation and social inclusion. “As we shift to a greener economy, we must ensure everyone benefits,” she asserted.
Mr. Stephen Agugua from ILO, UNDP, and UNIDO echoed these sentiments. He stressed the importance of a Just Transition Action Plan for a sustainable and low-carbon economy. He cited Nigeria’s obligations under the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals as crucial in addressing climate change.
Nigerian policies are evolving to support climate goals. For example, the National Determined Contributions (NDCs) are being revised to align with these objectives. Agugua pointed out that with the Just Transition Roadmap, Nigeria can strategically approach its shift to a low-carbon economy. He noted that guidelines from the ILO can help define what a Just Transition looks like.
According to a report, Nigeria aims for carbon neutrality by 2060. The country has set an ambitious target to reduce emissions by 20% by 2030, with an additional goal of a 47% reduction if international support is provided. Dr. Henning Wueste from ICAT emphasized the importance of this transformation in combating climate change.
Mrs. Yusuf Zaniab Kabir from the Federal Ministry of Environment praised the initiative, calling for a collective effort to ensure a sustainable future.
The workshop’s ultimate aim is to validate the Just Transition Guideline and ensure Nigeria aligns with global best practices. As discussions continue, the focus remains clear: building a cleaner, greener Nigeria for the generations to come.
For further insights on this topic, you can refer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
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