By Abigael Joshua
Africa’s Just Transition Initiative has the potential to address social, economic, and environmental justice concerns.
Prof. Emeka Oruonye, A Professor of Environmental Science in the Department of Geography, Taraba State University, Jalingo, made this known on Wednesday at an engagement on the British Academy Research Project examining the political economy of just transitions for Africa.
The theme of the engagement is “Advancing a Just, Inclusive and Development-Oriented Transition in Nigeria: Lessons from the Energy, Forestry and Central Minerals Sectors”.
He said the initiative would promote fair, inclusive and development-oriented transitions that respond effectively to Africa’s realities, priorities and specific socioeconomic challenges.
Also speaking, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, President of the Society for Planet and Prosperity, said that Nigeria’s energy transition must prioritise justice, equity and fairness, ensuring communities affected by mining, forestry and energy projects benefit rather than suffer during development.
Okereke said many communities hosting lithium mines and energy facilities were excluded, neglected and poorly compensated, in spite of enduring environmental impacts, inadequate infrastructure and limited consultation with companies and government.
He said that Nigeria has strong policies and regulations, but weak implementation remained problematic, emphasising the need for effective monitoring, stakeholder participation and fair, efficient mechanisms for addressing community grievances.
He urged researchers, policymakers and communities to combine their distinct knowledge and perspectives to develop better understanding, practical solutions and outcomes addressing Nigeria’s pressing development challenges.
Also, Eche Asuzu, Head of Climate Change, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said that workers and trade unions must be central to climate discussions because emissions largely originate from workplaces and directly affect workers.
Asuzu said Nigeria’s transition from fossil fuels must balance development and environmental protection while ensuring workers acquire skills for green jobs and receive adequate support during economic restructuring processes.
He called for inclusive policies, social safety nets, unemployment benefits, early retirement, timely gratuity and adequate pensions, stressing that justice must remain central to protecting workers during transition.
Prof. Elizabeth Essien, Department of Environmental Management, University of Calabar recommended stronger governance structures enabling communities to participate in and benefit from Nigeria’s just, inclusive and development-oriented transition programmes.
She said that communities must safeguard their livelihoods and take ownership of transition processes, adding that meaningful participation and understanding governance dynamics would strengthen sustainability for future generations.(NAN)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
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