Nigeria has taken a bold and historic step toward building an inclusive, sustainable, and low-carbon future with the official validation of the Just Transition Guidelines and Action Plan (JT-GAP) by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).
The validation ceremony, held on October 6–7, 2025, at the Nigeria Air Force Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey toward a fair, equitable, and climate-resilient economy.
The document is developed by the Centre for Climate Change and Development (CCCD), Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
The JT-GAP stands as a model of evidence-based and inclusive policy formulation.
The two-day event began with a technical review session that brought together experts from government, academia, and international development institutions to refine the draft JT-GAP.
In her remarks, Mrs. Tenioye Majekodunmi, Director-General of the NCCC, described the JT-GAP as “a comprehensive, evidence-based, and professionally crafted document that reflects Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to an equitable energy transition and decarbonization pathway.”
She emphasized that the plan aligns seamlessly with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Energy Transition Plan (ETP), and long-term net-zero ambitions, adding that it was developed through extensive national and international consultations.
“The Just Transition is not merely an environmental agenda but a people-centered development vision that ensures economic growth, social justice, and environmental sustainability move hand in hand.
“We must all take ownership of this report and work together to ensure its timely and effective implementation,” She said.
An Ambitious Blueprint for Green Growth
Lead Consultant, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, expressed satisfaction with the quality and ambition of the document, describing it as a vital tool for aligning climate action with Nigeria’s development priorities.
“Our report offers insights on how Nigeria can unlock new opportunities in green growth, innovation, and emerging industrial ecosystems while taking ambitious climate action.
“By embedding fairness and inclusivity at the core of our transition effort, the JT-GAP—if implemented—will protect workers, women, youth, and vulnerable communities, while helping Nigeria mitigate critical risks such as job displacement and stranded assets,” Okereke said.
Presentations were led by Professor Emmanuel Oladipo, representing the lead consultant, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, while Dr. Austine Sadiq Okoh, the Project Manager, highlighted the cross-cutting themes of gender inclusion, youth empowerment, and social equity—principles central to a just transition framework.
The workshop featured participation from a wide range of stakeholders including Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), multilateral institutions, civil society organizations, women and youth groups, representatives of persons with disabilities, labor unions, and private sector actors—underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that the transition truly leaves no one behind.
The validation ceremony on the second day was attended by an array of dignitaries, including:
Mrs. Tenioye Majekodunmi, Director-General, NCCC.
Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Finance and Stakeholder Engagement
Chairman and Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change
Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business
Country Director, NDC Partnership, and Permanent Secretaries on Climate Change from Lagos, Cross River, and Imo States, among others.
Also present were heads of ministries, development partners, labor unions, youth advocates, and members of the consultant team.
A New Dawn for Climate Justice in Nigeria
Participants at the ceremony unanimously endorsed the JT-GAP, commending its technical depth, inclusiveness, and adherence to international best practice.
The validation of the Just Transition Guidelines and Action Plan marks a new dawn for Nigeria’s climate action journey—one that prioritizes social equity, decent jobs, and community well-being as the nation transitions toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and sustainable future.
