Stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to ensure that Nigeria’s Just Transition Guideline Action Plan (JT-GAP) leaves no one behind as the country pursues a low-carbon economy.
Speaking at a workshop in Abuja themed “Just Transition for All: Ensuring Inclusive Voices” and organized by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), participants stressed that the transition must address not only environmental concerns but also social equity, job security, and protection for vulnerable groups.
ILO’s National Project Coordinator, Stephen Agugua, explained that while the shift to greener policies across energy, transportation, agriculture, and industry would inevitably affect some existing jobs, it also presented a major opportunity for employment creation.
“As we are adapting, some jobs might be lost. But if this is well managed, the jobs that will be created will be more than the jobs that will be lost,” Agugua said. He added that reskilling, social protection, and robust policy frameworks are essential to ensuring fairness in the process.
He further called on government to discourage high-carbon production and consumption by reforming fossil fuel subsidies, noting that savings could be redirected to strengthen social protection systems. “Businesses will also need predictable rules, technical assistance, and financial support to adapt,” he added.
Representatives of marginalized groups strongly emphasized the need for inclusivity in the transition plan. Kenneth Echiche of the Nigeria Association of the Blind argued that persons with disabilities (PWDs), estimated at 35 million nationwide, should be recognized as active participants rather than lumped under a generic “vulnerable groups” label.
“We want to be part of the process, not just passive beneficiaries. Capacity building, training, and empowerment are very important,” Echiche stated.
Echoing similar concerns, Abyah Mathew, Secretary General of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, linked climate action to everyday struggles. He highlighted the impact of deforestation and dependence on charcoal, urging authorities to make cooking gas more affordable. “If gas is made cheaper, many Nigerians will stop using charcoal, and this will reduce deforestation,” he said.
Women Leader of JONAPWD (FCT Chapter), Aver Akighir, stressed that fairness in the transition also meant access to digital and economic opportunities. “I want to see opportunities whereby jobs available online will be made easy for persons with disabilities. Online applications have been too complicated, and that must change,” she said.
Youth voices at the workshop also underlined the importance of empowerment. Lasisi Onaolapo, founder of Inter-Faith Alliance for SDG Action Plan and UNICEF Generation Unlimited youth representative, said green jobs should be designed to enable young people to create and drive solutions.
“As young people, there’s an extent to which we can inspire and implement change. More than inclusion or token engagement, it boils down to empowerment,” he noted.
Participants concluded that Nigeria’s Just Transition Plan must deliberately prioritize inclusivity, strengthen social protection, and guarantee access to opportunities for women, youth, and PWDs if it is to succeed in balancing climate action with equitable development.
