The National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) has urged key environmental actors to collaborate on the development of a just transition guideline that will promote inclusive climate action, ensure social equity, and, most importantly, drive Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director General of the NCCCS, made the call on Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Abuja during a workshop organised by her organisation to brainstorm on how to best achieve the aforementioned goal, which she said would require active cooperation from the government, private sector stakeholders, civil society, and development partners.
The DG, who was represented by the Council Secretariat’s Director, Mrs. Halima Bawa-Bwari, at the event supported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), added that the projected just transition guidelines would be instrumental through socially responsible and economically viable strategies, with nature-based solutions playing a vital role in enhancing climate resilience, restoring the ecosystem, and creating sustainable green jobs.
A just transition framework, she explained, would ensure that the transition to renewable energy and a low-carbon future is consistent with this goal by incorporating policies that protect workers and communities, particularly those reliant on fossil-fuel-based sectors.
“By leveraging our natural assets such as mangroves, we can ensure that climate action goes hand in hand with economic growth, improved food security, and environmental sustainability,” said Dr. Maduekwe, who also serves as the country’s Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change.
Speaking on the subject, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Federal Ministry of Environment’s Department of Climate Change (DCC), described the upcoming guideline as a critical document that will lay out Nigeria’s path to transition away from fossil fuels and towards a more environmentally friendly economy.
In the same vein as the DG, she advocated for equality by making sure that all interested parties were included and kept informed throughout the guideline formulation process.
“The Ministry will provide necessary support for a good document for an effective and efficient drive of just transition in Nigeria,” the director of the DCC promised.
In a joint statement, the ILO, UNDP, and UNIDO noted that developing a Just Transition Action Plan or Roadmap as a national guideline for all sectors is essential for addressing the problems and possibilities connected with the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon economy.
Mr. Stephen Agugua, who delivered the speech on behalf of the three UN entities, stated that Nigeria is dedicated to its international obligations, particularly the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to combat climate change and promote sustainable development in the country.
A well-designed roadmap, according to him, would 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.
Dr. Peter Tarfa, the representative of the Initiative for Climate Action and Development (ICAD) at the occassion, noted that Nigeria’s economy has undergone a dramatic transformation as a result of its 2060 carbon neutrality.
“It is expected that the outcome would be more ambitious and robust,” he said.
Mr. Akpan of Oxfam, who represented civil society organisations, also spoke out in support of the planned guideline, stating that it is fundamental in combating climate change and poverty at all levels of the economy.
“We believe that the guidelines will try to solve them and hold the government accountable,” he said, underlining the need of meeting the Paris Agreement by addressing the vulnerable people affected by climate change.
By Nsikak Emmanuel Ekere, Abuja