No Going Back! FG Reaffirms Unshakeable Pledge To Climate Action

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to transitioning Nigeria into a low-carbon economy through a people-focused Just Transition framework designed to safeguard livelihoods and spur economic diversification.

Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director-General and Chief Executive of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, made this declaration during the final national stakeholders’ consultation on Nigeria’s Just Transition Guideline, held in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

ACCORDING TO IREPORTER ONLINE, Dr. Maduekwe underscored that Nigeria’s path to climate resilience would be anchored in social inclusion and economic strength.

“A Just Transition ensures that as we shift to a climate-resilient, low-carbon future, we leave no one behind. We must create green jobs, upskill our workforce, and protect the most vulnerable communities from disruption,” she noted.

The consultation, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Labour Organisation (ILO), and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), concluded a series of engagements previously held in Abuja, Lagos, and Kano.

It forms part of Nigeria’s broader climate commitments under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Climate Change Act, and National Development Plan.

UN representative Stephen Agugua stressed that Nigeria’s transition plan must be backed by actionable policies. “This is about more than policy—it’s about justice, jobs, and survival,” he said, emphasizing that nearly 50 countries globally have committed to a just transition in line with the Paris Agreement.

Labour leaders used the event to demand stronger safeguards for workers. John Moses, Climate Focal Person for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), called for the immediate establishment of a Just Transition Commission with labour representation to guide the process. He noted that workplaces are key emission points and that worker welfare must remain central to Nigeria’s energy shift.

ACCORDING TO IREPORTER ONLINE, the NLC also submitted a Climate Justice Strategic Action Plan and detailed policy briefs, urging the government to formally include labour in every stage of the transition.

Meanwhile, climate and energy experts called for a balanced approach. Prof. Emmanuel Oladipo, a climatologist, cautioned against abandoning fossil fuel investments prematurely.

“Fossil revenue must be wisely reinvested in renewable energy to ensure Nigeria’s development remains on track,” he advised.

Dr. Moses Bereiweriso from the Rivers State Ministry of Environment echoed this stance, noting that while reducing energy use drastically isn’t feasible, “we can minimize environmental damage through better practices and sustainable technologies.”

ACCORDING TO IREPORTER ONLINE, the final Just Transition Guideline is expected to chart Nigeria’s course toward a greener, inclusive, and economically viable future, with emphasis on accountability, social protection, and workforce transformation.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”