The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, recently took part virtually in the 2024 International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions. The event, held as a key precursor to the upcoming G20 summit in Brazil, brought together ministers, labor leaders, and global decision-makers to discuss fair and inclusive approaches to the global shift towards clean energy.
Onyejeocha’s involvement in this crucial dialogue underscores Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that the clean energy transition benefits all segments of society, particularly workers and vulnerable groups. During the event, discussions focused on creating equitable policies that balance the need for environmental sustainability with the imperative of protecting jobs and economic opportunities. The minister highlighted Nigeria’s progress in this regard, particularly through the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG).
The Pi-CNG initiative, a collaborative effort between the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and other government agencies, aims to transform Nigeria’s transportation sector by promoting the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). This initiative is not only a significant step in reducing the nation’s carbon footprint but also a key driver of employment. With a goal to create 25,000 green jobs for technicians and auto mechanics, Onyejeocha emphasized that the project will contribute to economic growth while promoting sustainability, ensuring that workers are not left behind in the energy transition.
Beyond transportation, the minister drew attention to Nigeria’s broader clean energy efforts through the Labour Employment and Empowerment Program (LEEP). This program is designed to equip women and youth—groups often disproportionately affected by economic transitions—with the skills necessary to succeed in the green economy. LEEP offers training in areas such as solar panel installation, renewable energy solutions like solar kiosks, sustainable agriculture practices, and recycling. Onyejeocha stressed that this comprehensive training initiative is vital to empowering vulnerable communities and promoting inclusive economic growth in line with Nigeria’s clean energy ambitions.
As the world shifts towards clean energy, Onyejeocha reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to fostering a people-centered transition that leaves no one behind. She expressed optimism that the ongoing initiatives will not only address the country’s environmental challenges but also unlock significant economic opportunities for its citizens. With international collaboration and continued government support, Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in both the energy and labor sectors, offering a model for other countries grappling with similar transitions.
The minister’s participation in the IEA’s Global Commission further reinforces Nigeria’s active role on the global stage, particularly in the discussions surrounding fair and sustainable energy policies. The upcoming G20 summit in Brazil is expected to build on the outcomes of this event, with further discussions on how to implement equitable energy transitions globally.
