By Atoyebi Nike
Nigeria has officially validated the Just Transition Guidelines and Action Plan (JT-GAP), marking a historic step toward building an inclusive, low-carbon, and climate-resilient future.
The validation ceremony, held from October 6 to 7 at the Nigeria Air Force Conference Centre in Abuja, was organised by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC). The framework, developed by the Centre for Climate Change and Development at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, with support from the ILO, UNDP, and UNIDO, provides a clear roadmap for a fair energy transition.
Technical sessions reviewed the draft document, featuring experts from government, academia, and international organisations. Presentations by Professor Emmanuel Oladipo and Dr. Austine Sadiq Okoh highlighted themes of gender inclusion, youth empowerment, and social equity.
The event drew participants from ministries, development partners, labour unions, CSOs, youth groups, people with disabilities, and the private sector reflecting a broad commitment to ensuring no one is left behind.
NCCC Director-General, Mrs. Tenioye Majekodunmi, described the JT-GAP as a professionally crafted, evidence-based document aligned with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions and net-zero ambitions. She urged stakeholders to ensure its implementation across all sectors.
Lead consultant Professor Chukwumerije Okereke said the plan offers clear guidance on how Nigeria can align climate ambition with development priorities, while protecting jobs and vulnerable communities.
Participants commended the inclusive and internationally benchmarked process, describing the JT-GAP as a model for Africa’s green transition.
