Nigeria is advancing its Just Transition agenda by developing an inclusive climate action framework. The National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) has called upon key environmental stakeholders to collaborate on creating a Just Transition Guideline. This initiative aims to ensure social equity and drive Nigeria’s economic transformation towards a low-carbon economy.
On March 13, 2025, in Abuja, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director General of the NCCCS, emphasized the importance of this guideline during a high-level workshop. The event gathered representatives from government agencies, the private sector, civil society, and development partners to strategize on an equitable shift towards sustainability.
Supported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the guideline will integrate nature-based solutions to foster climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and the creation of sustainable green jobs. Dr. Maduekwe underscored the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s natural assets, such as mangroves, to ensure that climate action translates into economic growth, improved food security, and sustainable livelihoods.
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Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Federal Ministry of Environment’s Department of Climate Change (DCC), described the guideline as pivotal for steering Nigeria’s shift from fossil fuels to a greener economy. She stressed the need for inclusive participation, ensuring that all stakeholders remain engaged throughout the policy formulation process.
In a joint statement, the ILO, UNDP, and UNIDO highlighted the significance of a Just Transition Action Plan as a national guide for addressing both the challenges and opportunities of the green transition. Mr. Stephen Agugua, speaking on behalf of these UN bodies, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global climate obligations, including the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He emphasized that a well-structured roadmap would align with existing national policies, creating a strategic framework for Nigeria’s low-carbon economy.
Stakeholders, including Dr. Peter Tarfa from the Initiative for Climate Action and Development (ICAD), stressed the importance of accountability and stronger climate policies to achieve Nigeria’s 2060 carbon neutrality target.
