Nigeria Advances Climate Resilience and Equity with Completion of South-South Consultations for Just Transition Plan

Port Harcourt, Nigeria: The Nigerian Government, with technical support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), has successfully concluded South-South consultations for the development of the country’s Just Transition Action Plan (JTAP). The final workshop, held in Port Harcourt on 29 –3 0 July 2025, marked the completion of a nationwide engagement process that included Lagos and Kano.

The JTAP is a strategic framework designed to guide Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy while ensuring that no one is left behind. It aims to strengthen climate resilience, promote decent work, and foster inclusive economic growth by integrating climate policies with social protection, skills development, and sustainable industry practices.

Speaking at the Port Harcourt workshop, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to a people-oriented climate strategy. She noted that the JTAP aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the Climate Change Act, and the National Development Plan.

The workshop brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from government, labour unions, civil society, and vulnerable groups. Ms. Imite-Uka, representing Rivers State Parliamentarians, stressed that climate action must protect livelihoods and promote social inclusion. Comrade John Moses of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) highlighted the importance of decent work and workers’ rights in the JTAP. Dr. Mrs. Inyingi S. I. Brown, Head of Service for Rivers State, underscored the urgency of climate adaptation, citing the need for early warning systems and predictive tools. Mr. Stephen Agugua, representing the ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Seirra Leon, Liberia and Liaison Office for ECOWAS, Dr Venessa Phala, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to a fair and inclusive transition, particularly for women, youths, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. She also stressed the ILO’s commitments to ensure opportunities for green jobs creation and decent work offered by the transition to low-carbon economy is maximised particularly in Nigeria.

A breakout session focused on the social and workforce impacts of the transition, including job risks, green employment opportunities, and gender inclusion. Discussions also explored technological innovations across six key sectors: Industrial Processes, Urban Development, Transport, Waste Management, Energy, and Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU). The session was chaired by Prof. Oladipo of the Centre for Climate Change Development (CCCD), Alex Ekwueme University.

Following this development, the ILO leading the just transition project in Nigeria reiterated its commitment to support policies that promote sustainable growth, decent work, and poverty reduction. The final JTAP report is expected in October 2025. This milestone marks a significant achievement in Nigeria’s climate journey, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive development and a resilient, low-carbon future.