As Nigeria transitions to renewable energy, experts have warned that workers must not be left behind, calling for policies that protect jobs and prevent exploitation while ensuring a fair and inclusive shift to clean energy.
This call was made at the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Just and Green Transition for Trade Unions in Nigeria Project, themed “Energy Transition, Opportunities, and Dilemma for a Just and Green Transition”, organized by FES in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), and the National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather, and Non-Metallic Products Employees (NUCFRLANMPE) on Thursday in Abuja.
Lennart Oestergaard, Resident Representative of FES Nigeria, stressed that the shift to clean energy must not come at the expense of workers’ livelihoods.
He highlighted the climate crisis, citing rising temperatures and extreme weather events as signs that urgent action is needed. However, he cautioned that without proper planning, workers in traditional energy sectors could suffer.
“As Nigeria transitions to a greener economy, we must ensure that workers are not displaced or exploited,” he said. “A just transition means ensuring job security, fair wages, and social protections for those affected by the shift away from fossil fuels.”
He added, “We feel the climate crisis in our daily lives, from flooding to heatwaves. But the transition to a green economy must not forget the people—workers and communities—who will be directly impacted.”
Tunde Selman, Team Lead at GGT-Nigeria, presented the Workers’ Charter of Demand on Just Transition for Trade Unions in Nigeria, outlining key labor rights in the clean energy shift.
According to him, the charter is more than just a document—it serves as a roadmap for ensuring that workers’ rights are not sacrificed for economic growth.
“The Workers’ Charter is not just a document; it is a call to action,” Selman said. “Economic development must go hand in hand with environmental sustainability and social justice.”
Dr. Tosin Akande, Executive Secretary of the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN), warned that without strong policies, many workers could lose their jobs.
She said, “A clean energy transition cannot succeed if workers are neglected.
“We must invest in reskilling and upskilling programs to ensure that workers in the fossil fuel industry can transition into renewable energy jobs.” She noted
During a panel discussion, labor leaders urged the government to implement policies that protect workers while advancing Nigeria’s climate goals. They also called for increased investments in renewable energy infrastructure and social protection programs.
The event concluded with a commitment from stakeholders to push for policies that balance environmental sustainability with workers’ rights, ensuring a just and inclusive transition to clean energy.
