FES, Unions push workers’ charter for fair energy shift

Tosin Kolade
Mar, Thu, 2025

Environment

FES, Unions push workers’ charter for fair energy shift

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By Akpan Glory

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Nigeria, in partnership with Mondial FNV, and three Labour unions, has unveiled the ‘Just Transition Project’, a major step toward safeguarding workers’ rights in Nigeria’s evolving energy sector.

The unions are; Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), and National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-Metallic Employees (NUCFRLANMPE).

Unveiled in Abuja on Thursday, the initiative aims to foster dialogue between policymakers, trade unions, and industry players to ensure a just and sustainable transition to renewable energy.

The event brought together government officials, labour leaders, renewable energy advocates, and civil society organisations to discuss policies balancing economic growth with social justice.

Lennart Oestergaard, Resident Representative of FES Nigeria, emphasised the global urgency for a fair energy transition, stressing the need to protect workers’ livelihoods.

“As Nigeria moves towards cleaner energy sources, we must ensure that workers are not displaced or exploited.

“A just transition means that no one is left behind, and this requires deliberate policies that promote job security, social dialogue, and economic fairness, “he said.

He called for stronger collaboration between trade unions, the private sector, and the government to develop policies that protect jobs and equip workers for employment in the renewable energy sector.

Mr Tunde Selman, researcher and Team Lead at GGT-Nigeria, introduced the Workers’ Charter of Demands, stating that it advocates for fair labour practices and worker protections amid Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.

Selman said it outlines key demands, including job security to prevent mass redundancies, saying it is a “call to action”.

He added that the charter proposes social protection measures, such as pension schemes and health insurance, for workers transitioning from fossil fuel jobs.

“It also advocates for fair wages and improved working conditions in both traditional and renewable energy sectors.

“Additionally, it calls for government-led training programmes to equip workers with skills in clean energy technologies.

“It also urges greater labour union involvement in policymaking related to energy transition, “Selman said.

In a goodwill message, Dr Tosin Akande, Executive Secretary of the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN), commended FES and its partners for advocating labour rights in the energy transition process.

“A clean energy transition cannot be successful if workers are neglected. We must create mechanisms for reskilling and upskilling, particularly for workers who have spent their careers in the fossil fuel industry,” he stated.

While acknowledging the renewable energy sector’s potential to create jobs, Akande warned that without strong policies, many workers could face unemployment or low wages.

The event also featured a panel discussion on “Just and Clean Transition for Trade Unions in Nigeria,” where experts examined challenges and opportunities in the energy transition.

Discussions focused on expanding the renewable energy sector while protecting workers’ rights, the role of government and private sector investment in job creation, and vocational training for green economy jobs.

Stakeholders called for stronger labour laws to prevent job losses due to energy transition policies, while trade union representatives urged the government to include workers’ voices in planning and increase investment in social protection programmes.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s shift to clean energy remains fair, inclusive, and worker-friendly. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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