By Atoyebi Nike
Nigeria is preparing to take a strong labour-focused position at the United Nations climate conference COP30 which will hold in Belém, Brazil, in November. Brazil has described the summit as the “Implementation COP” because the focus will shift from negotiating new goals to carrying out existing commitments under the Paris Agreement.
A key part of the agenda is the Belém Action Mechanism for a Global Just Transition which aims to bring together fragmented global efforts to protect workers during the shift to a green economy. Nigeria has already taken a step forward with its Just Transition Guidelines and Action Plan, known as JT GAP. This plan has earned international recognition and places workers at the centre of Nigeria’s climate response.
The Nigeria Labour Congress is also holding a pre COP30 retreat and regional strategy meeting to prepare its positions for the conference. Led by Comrade Echezona Asuzu, the meeting brings together union leaders from across the country to consolidate research, survey results and previous findings into clear policy demands. These cover issues such as Nationally Determined Contributions, social protection, sectoral impacts and just transition.
The NLC is working closely with African and global trade union bodies to strengthen its voice. It recently took part in the ITUC Africa pre COP meeting in Brasilia. The NLC’s strategy focuses on three themes. The first is just transition and green jobs, calling for policies that protect livelihoods and create sustainable work. The second is climate finance and justice, which demands significant financial flows to support adaptation and address loss and damage. The third is evidence based advocacy, using data and research to back up demands.
Health is another priority for COP30. The Belém Health Action Plan will place health and equity at the centre of climate response. Nigerian workers in outdoor sectors such as agriculture, construction and transport face serious risks from rising temperatures, poor air quality and disease. Even indoor workers are affected by heatwaves, as seen among textile workers in the North West. Nigeria plans to use this platform to strengthen its health systems and push for international support for adaptation.
The Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Benson Upah, told participants at the pre COP meeting that they must work with progressive blocs such as the Group of 77 plus China, the African Group of Negotiators and civil society to achieve results.
With these preparations, Nigeria aims to highlight workers’ rights and needs during COP30. A coordinated labour strategy could help shape global negotiations on just transition, finance and health.
