Experts in the environment and energy sectors gathered in Abuja to advance a “Just Transition” energy plan that ensures inclusive growth, protects vulnerable populations, supports local jobs, and addresses environmental degradation from fossil fuels as Nigeria targets net-zero emissions by 2060.
The initiative was the focus of the Stakeholders Research Workshop on Supporting Just Transition in Nigeria, organized by the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), the Centre for Climate Change and Development (CCCD), and ODI Global (United Kingdom).
Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at SPP, described Nigeria’s energy transition as a critical intersection of climate ambition and development necessity.
“Therefore, transition is not only a technical decarbonisation challenge but an economic, political, and social one, which can have far-reaching implications for jobs, welfare, economic growth, revenue, and political stability,” he said.
The workshop aimed to create a structured, inclusive, and intellectually rigorous space for key stakeholders to engage with preliminary research findings.
“We are here to discuss, in my view, some of the most consequential issues facing Nigeria today, which is the trajectory of our development,” Okereke stated.
He emphasized that transitioning from oil dependency requires careful planning, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and difficult policy decisions that balance economic stability with environmental sustainability.
“Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels has historically underwritten state capacity, public finance, and foreign exchange planning,” he added.
Mr. Uche Nnamani, a Researcher at SPP, highlighted the importance of evidence-based policymaking to ensure Nigeria’s green transition aligns with national development priorities, strengthens energy access, and positions the country for a sustainable, low-carbon future.
He said the workshop sought to provide actionable insights to guide policymakers, stakeholders, and investors toward building a resilient, low-carbon, and economically viable energy future for Nigeria.
Dr. Timothy Kelsall, Senior Research Fellow at ODI Global UK, explained that the research examines various fuel subsidy scenarios and energy transition pathways, with a focus on natural gas as a transition fuel alongside renewables through a hybrid strategy.
The event underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to develop a realistic, equitable energy transition framework amid its heavy reliance on oil and gas, economic vulnerabilities, and global climate commitments. By prioritizing inclusive planning and evidence-driven approaches, stakeholders aim to safeguard livelihoods, foster green jobs, and ensure no community is left behind in the shift to cleaner energy.
