The federal government has taken the initiative to collaborate with the United Nations’ agencies to develop guidelines for the country to transition to a decarbonised economy in line with the Paris Agreement. This move aims to drive the transition of the Nigerian economy to a low-carbon economy, address climate change, and promote sustainable economic growth in a way that ensures no one is left behind. **Key Objectives of the Just Transition Guidelines**
• To ensure a just transition that addresses climate change and promotes sustainable economic growth
• To drive the transition of the Nigerian economy to a low-carbon economy
• To address climate change and promote sustainable economic growth in a manner that ensures no one is left behind
• To ensure that the shift to clean energy and climate-resilient solutions does not leave any community or sector behind
A two-day workshop was held in Lagos with the theme: ‘Inception Workshop for the Development of Nigeria’s Just Transition Guidelines’. The workshop was organised by the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Experts Emphasize the Need for a Just Transition

The Director General of the NCCCS, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, represented by Assistant Director, Mr. Bala Rufai, said that a just transition must ensure that the shift to clean energy and climate-resilient solutions does not leave any community or sector behind. “We must ensure that the policies we develop reflect the diverse voices and realities of all stakeholders—government, private sector, labor unions, civil society, development partners, and local communities,” Maduekwe said. The National Project Coordination, ILO, Nigeria, Mr. Stephen Agugua, also emphasized the importance of a just transition. He said that Nigeria is committed to its international obligations, including the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as it aimed to address climate change and promote sustainable development in the country.

Key Components of the Just Transition Roadmap

• Job creation, skills development, and capacity-building to facilitate the transition of vulnerable sectors from carbon-intensive industries to emerging green sectors
• Prioritisation of job creation, skills development, and capacity-building
• Alignment with existing policy frameworks, including the Energy Transition Plan, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Climate Change Act, and the National Development Plan
• Ensuring that the shift to clean energy and climate-resilient solutions does not leave any community or sector behind
The UNIDO Project Assistant, Ms. Christiana Obase, highlighted the importance of a just transition in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector. She said that just transition in this sector presents a clear example of how environmental policy must intersect with economic justice.

Benefits of a Just Transition

• Creation of new green jobs
• Enhancement of industrial competitiveness
• Alignment of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector with global climate goals
The Lead, Nigeria Economic Summit Group Climate Change Taskforce (NESG-CCT), Dr. Eugene Itua, said that achieving a just transition to a low-carbon economy is essential for Nigeria’s future. “At NESG, we advocate for policies that ensure the benefits of this transition are equitably shared across all communities, particularly those that are marginalised,” Itua said.

Attainment of the Just Transition: A Shared Responsibility

The attainment of the just transition is a shared responsibility, which would require key stakeholders to come together to develop a blueprint. The Director, Lagos Liaison Office, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Jonathan Sylvanus Dajal, emphasized the importance of public awareness to sensitise Nigerians on the regulatory frameworks they would adhere to, such as the emission control system.

Tables: Key Stakeholders Involved in the Development of the Just Transition Guidelines

Quoted Sections

“Just transition in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector presents a clear example of how environmental policy must intersect with economic justice. If not carefully managed, it could lead to job displacement. “But with the right planning, which is part of why we are here, it offers a chance to create new green jobs, enhance industrial competitiveness, and align Nigeria’s manufacturing sector with global climate goals.” — Ms. Christiana Obase, UNIDO Project Assistant

“At NESG, we advocate for policies that ensure the benefits of this transition are equitably shared across all communities, particularly those that are marginalised. “We are dedicated to fostering public-private dialogue, conducting impactful research, and enhancing the capacity of stakeholders to support a sustainable future. “As we navigate the challenges ahead, let us prioritise equity and sustainability, ensuring that no one is left behind.” — Dr. Eugene Itua, Lead, NESG-CCT

Highlights

• A just transition to a low-carbon economy is essential for Nigeria’s future
• The attainment of the just transition is a shared responsibility
• Key stakeholders must come together to develop a blueprint
• Public awareness is crucial for sensitising Nigerians on the regulatory frameworks they would adhere to
• The shift to clean energy and climate-resilient solutions must not leave any community or sector behind

Dike Onwuamaeze: A Guide to Nigeria’s Just Transition to a Decarbonized Economy

The federal government’s collaboration with the United Nations’ agencies is a crucial step towards developing guidelines for Nigeria to transition to a decarbonised economy in line with the Paris Agreement. The workshop held in Lagos with the theme: ‘Inception Workshop for the Development of Nigeria’s Just Transition Guidelines’, provided an opportunity for key stakeholders to come together and develop a blueprint for the just transition. The experts emphasized the need for a just transition, highlighting the importance of aligning the transition with existing policy frameworks, prioritizing job creation, skills development, and capacity-building, and ensuring that the shift to clean energy and climate-resilient solutions does not leave any community or sector behind. The benefits of a just transition include the creation of new green jobs, enhancement of industrial competitiveness, and alignment of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector with global climate goals. The attainment of the just transition is a shared responsibility, requiring key stakeholders to come together to develop a blueprint. Public awareness is crucial for sensitising Nigerians on the regulatory frameworks they would adhere to, such as the emission control system. In conclusion, a just transition to a low-carbon economy is essential for Nigeria’s future, and the federal government’s collaboration with the United Nations’ agencies is a crucial step towards achieving this goal. By working together, key stakeholders can develop a blueprint for the just transition, ensuring that no one is left behind and that the shift to clean energy and climate-resilient solutions benefits all communities and sectors.