The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have renewed their call for workers to be actively included in national and global climate governance frameworks.
The call was made on Wednesday in Keffi, Nasarawa State, at the opening of a three-day retreat held ahead of the 30th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), scheduled for 10–21 November in Belém, Brazil. The global summit will focus on measures to limit the rise in global temperatures and the presentation of new national climate action plans.
Speaking at the retreat, the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Mr. Benson Upah, noted that climate change “remains a workplace reality” and that workers continue to bear its impact.
Upah, represented by Mr Eche Asuzu, the NLC’s National Coordinator on Climate Change, emphasised the need for workers’ representation in the formulation and implementation of climate policies. He urged countries in the Global South to take ownership of their climate future through bold, inclusive green policies that prioritise workers’ rights and livelihoods.
He commended the ILO, the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), and other partners for supporting the NLC’s Climate Change, Green Jobs, and Just Transition Programme.
Similarly, Ms Inviolata Chinyangarara, ILO Senior Specialist, described trade unions as essential actors in ensuring a just transition and promoting decent work in the green economy.
According to her, the ILO remains committed to empowering workers’ organisations through dialogue, skills development, and advocacy, ensuring no one is left behind in the shift towards sustainability.
She praised the NLC for developing strong climate positions, hosting side events at previous COP meetings, and raising workers’ awareness on green policies and sustainable transitions.
Chinyangarara also highlighted the ongoing German Cooperation Project, which supports social partners in advancing gender-responsive, job-rich green growth in Nigeria and other countries.
In her remarks, Mrs. Omoteniola Majekodunmi, Director-General of the NCCC, represented by Ms.Jummai Vandu, reaffirmed the Council’s role in coordinating climate action across government, the private sector, and civil society.
She said the NCCC is committed to ensuring that workers’ voices are heard in climate discussions and just transition programmes nationwide.
Majekodunmi commended the ILO, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), Public Services International (PSI), and the Solidarity Centre for supporting the NLC’s climate initiatives, which align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth.
The three-day pre-COP30 meeting, jointly organised by the NLC, ILO, and their partners, aims to harmonise workers’ positions and strengthen labour’s voice ahead of the global climate summit.
