The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have urged for a worker-focused approach to tackling climate change in Nigeria. This call came from Inviolata Chinyangarara, a senior ILO specialist, during a workshop held on May 25, 2026, in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Chinyangarara emphasized that climate change is significantly impacting the job market in Nigeria. She pointed out that extreme weather is disrupting agriculture, transport, construction, and energy sectors, resulting in challenges for workers’ safety and productivity. “Climate policies are labor policies,” she stated. She believes it’s crucial to include decent work principles to protect workers as the country shifts toward a sustainable and inclusive green economy.
This push highlights a growing trend. As global conversations about climate change continue, many experts have pointed out the need for policies that not only address environmental concerns but also prioritize workers. A recent survey showed that over 70% of workers in developing countries feel left out of climate discussions that affect their lives and jobs.
The workshop also stressed the importance of aligning Nigeria’s climate strategies with job creation and social protection frameworks. Chinyangarara argued that a “just transition” could create decent jobs and reskilling programs while ensuring workers’ rights are respected in emerging green sectors.
NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja echoed these thoughts. He called for global climate policies that focus on workers and fair financing for developing countries. This focus on justice in the transition is becoming a global movement, with the adoption of initiatives like the Just Transition Mechanism at recent climate conferences.
Furthermore, Nanman Kash, a member of the Climate Change, Just Transition, and Green Jobs team, mentioned that strengthening dialogues among government, employers, and workers is vital for achieving sustainable solutions.
As the world shifts to greener practices, the spotlight is increasingly on ensuring that workers are not just participants but beneficiaries of this transformation. Focusing on inclusive policy changes could pave the way for a more equitable future in Nigeria. For further details on climate policies and their social implications, visit the UN’s climate website.
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Climate transition,International Labour Organisation (ILO),Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),Workers
