ILO strengthens just transition efforts in Nigeria’s energy sector through social dialogue
10 March 2025
With the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) convened a Power and Energy Sector Social Dialogue on Just Transition. The event, which coincided with the visit of the Director of the Just Transition Centre at the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), brought together key stakeholders to advance inclusive policies that support workers, safeguard livelihoods, and foster sustainable economic development amid Nigeria’s shift to green energy.
The International Labour Organization (ILO), with the financial support of the French Government and in partnership with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), facilitated a pivotal Social Dialogue on Just Transition in Nigeria’s energy sector. Held on 4th March 2025 at Labour House, Abuja, the event brought together key government bodies, employers, unions, and international development partners to strengthen policies that ensure Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy is fair, inclusive, and economically sustainable.
The dialogue coincided with the visit of Sister Giulia Lagana, Director of the Just Transition Centre at the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). She commended the NLC for prioritizing workers’ concerns in climate policy discussions and emphasized that social dialogue is crucial in addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on workers globally.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Director, ILO Abuja Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, and Liaison Office for ECOWAS, Vanessa Phala (Ph. D), the ILO National Project Coordinator for the Social Dimension of Ecological Transition, Stephen Agugua, reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s just transition efforts. He highlighted various ILO initiatives that have strengthened workers’ participation in climate policies, including advocacy campaigns, engagement in COP 28 and 29, and the development of workers position paper on Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).
Representatives from the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Renewable Energy Agency (REA), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) also contributed insights on the challenges and opportunities surrounding Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy. Key discussions focused on job security, workforce re-skilling, and the financing of renewable energy projects.
Stakeholders unanimously agreed on the urgent need for stronger policies that protect workers affected by the shift to green energy while ensuring sufficient training and social protection mechanisms. The dialogue concluded with a renewed commitment to collaboration in shaping Nigeria’s Just Transition Work Programme.
With the ILO’s continued support, Nigeria is advancing a just and sustainable energy transition that promotes decent work, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability, ensuring no one is left behind.