Labour minister reiterates Nigeria’s stand on clean energy transition at G20 Brazil summit

THE Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barrister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has reaffirmed the Nigeria’s commitment to a fair and inclusive clean energy transition at the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions.

Speaking virtually at the commission’s first in-person meeting held as part of the G20 Brazil 2024 summit, Onyejeocha underscored Nigeria’s innovative initiatives that aim to integrate workforce development and social equity into climate policies.

Her remarks were contained in a statement issued by her Special Adviser on Media, Emameh Gabriel.

The minister emphasised that Nigeria’s approach to clean energy transitions goes beyond reducing carbon emissions. She said the country is focused on ensuring economic empowerment, particularly through the creation of new green jobs in sectors such as solar energy and renewable resources. She stressed that Nigeria is actively working to equip its workforce with the skills needed to thrive in the emerging green economy.

“Nigeria’s approach prioritises economic empowerment and social equity,” Onyejeocha said. “We are creating opportunities for our people in green jobs such as solar installation and other areas of renewable energy to ensure that they can fully participate in this new era.”

In her address, Onyejeocha outlined several key initiatives the Nigerian government has launched to support its clean energy goals. These initiatives aim not only to reduce carbon emissions but also to ensure that workers are not left behind in the transition to greener technologies.

Some of the initiatives she highlighted include the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG).

According to her, the initiative targets the creation of 25,000 green jobs while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector. It focuses on converting petrol-powered vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Onyejeocha noted that other initiatives are the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), an initiative under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, designed to provide training for women and youth, equipping them with the necessary skills to participate in the green economy. Training areas include solar kiosk and panel installation, greenhouse farming and recycling, among others.

She also listed the Upskilling Automotive Technicians, saying: “Existing technicians and mechanics are being trained to convert and retrofit petrol-powered vehicles to CNG-powered ones. This initiative ensures that workers in traditional energy sectors are not displaced by the transition to cleaner technologies.”

Onyejeocha went on to reiterate that Nigeria’s clean energy transition is guided by the principle of fairness, ensuring that the workforce is protected and empowered throughout the process. “Climate action must be paired with economic empowerment,” she said. “We must provide opportunities for our people to thrive in this new era.”

She stressed that Nigeria is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind as the country moves toward a more sustainable energy future. The focus on protecting workers, particularly those who have long depended on the traditional energy sector, is central to Nigeria’s approach.

“In Nigeria, our clean energy journey has received additional momentum through the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, which targets not just emission reductions but also job creation,” she added.

Onyejeocha highlighted the importance of training and equipping workers with the skills necessary to adapt to new energy technologies. She pointed to the upskilling of automotive technicians as a critical element in ensuring that workers in the traditional energy sector are not left behind as the country transitions to cleaner technologies.

“Our workers – many of whom have relied on traditional energy sectors – are being trained and positioned for emerging opportunities in the green economy,” she said. “This approach is not only crucial for our climate goals but also for ensuring that workers have a clear path to transition into new roles.”

She also stressed the importance of empowering women and youth who are often disproportionately affected by economic transitions. Under the LEEP initiative, Nigeria is providing targeted training to these groups to ensure that they can participate fully in the green economy.

“Women and youth are expected to make up 30-40 percent of those trained under LEEP,” Onyejeocha said, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring that these vulnerable groups can take advantage of the opportunities presented by the clean energy transition.

The training programmes under LEEP focus on practical skills that are directly applicable to the green economy, such as solar kiosk installation, solar panel installation, greenhouse farming and recycling. These skills are expected to open up new employment opportunities for women and youth, enabling them to play a key role in Nigeria’s clean energy future.

The Labour Minister concluded by emphasising that Nigeria’s approach to clean energy transitions can serve as a model for other nations. She called on global leaders to adopt similar people-centred strategies that prioritise workforce development and social equity alongside climate action.

“Nigeria’s model serves as a blueprint for global leaders,” she said. “As we drive forward toward a more sustainable energy future, it is imperative that we ensure this transition leaves no one behind, particularly those whose livelihoods have been intertwined with the energy sector for decades.”

As Nigeria continues to champion a fair and inclusive clean energy transition, its efforts to balance climate action with economic empowerment are drawing attention on the global stage. The country’s commitment to integrating fairness into its clean energy policies serves as an important example for other nations seeking to address both environmental and social challenges in the shift toward sustainability.

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