HEDA, MINILS to Hold Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Just Energy Transition in Nigeria
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The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), in collaboration with the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), is set to convene a stakeholders’ dialogue on promoting a just and inclusive clean energy transition in Nigeria, with a focus on protecting workers’ rights and livelihoods.
In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil organisation said the initiative seeks to ensure that workers, particularly those in the oil, gas, and other fossil fuel-dependent sectors, are not left behind as Nigeria moves towards renewable and cleaner energy sources.
The dialogue, themed “Empowering Labour Unions for a Just and Inclusive Clean Energy Transition in Nigeria,” is schedule to hold in Ilorin, Kwara State between Tuesday, 3 November to Thursday, 5 November 2026, aimed at strengthening the capacity of labour unions to participate effectively in energy transition policy discussions and advocacy.
Suraju noted that although the transition presents opportunities for economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and job creation, it also carries potential risks, including job losses, skills displacement, and economic uncertainty for workers whose livelihoods depend on the fossil fuel industry.
He further stressed the importance of involving labour unions in shaping energy transition policies to ensure that workers’ interests are adequately protected and that the shift towards cleaner energy does not deepen existing inequalities.
Under the project, HEDA and MINILS will organise capacity-building workshops for union leaders and members on climate change, clean energy, workers’ rights, and relevant policy frameworks. Other activities will include policy roundtables with government institutions and regulatory agencies, development of policy briefs and advocacy toolkits, and media engagements to amplify workers’ voices.
The project will focus particularly on oil-producing and industrial states, while engaging key stakeholders such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), government agencies, civil society organisations, and private sector actors.
A major component of the initiative is the promotion of labour-sensitive policies that guarantee workers access to retraining and reskilling opportunities, decent employment in the renewable energy sector, and adequate social protection for those affected by changes in the energy industry.
HEDA called on government institutions, labour unions, civil society organisations, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to support efforts towards an energy transition that balances environmental sustainability with workers’ rights, economic security, and social justice.
The organisation maintained that Nigeria’s clean energy transition must be people-centred and inclusive, ensuring that workers and communities are active participants in shaping the country’s energy future rather than casualties of the transition.
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