An industry worker portrait at workplace, exceptional industrial job occupation
As the global economy transitions towards sustainability, green jobs are emerging as key drivers of employment—yet Nigeria appears to be trailing behind.
According to the World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2025 report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), global renewable energy employment has surged to 16.2 million jobs. Eastern Asia dominates this growth, while Africa’s contribution remains limited—and Nigeria’s role even less defined.
Despite abundant solar resources and a youthful labour force, Nigeria has yet to convert these advantages into large-scale green job creation.
Although various climate and energy transition plans have been announced, implementation remains weak. Poor infrastructure, fragmented policies, and a lack of technical expertise continue to impede progress.
The ILO notes that green industrial policies—especially in electric mobility and renewable energy—are creating employment elsewhere, while African countries like Nigeria remain on the sidelines. Without swift action, Nigeria risks being left behind in a global transformation it is well-positioned to benefit from.
Gender disparity is another critical concern. Only 32% of global renewable energy jobs are held by women, with Nigeria likely falling below this average due to persistent gender norms, limited technical education access for women, and underrepresentation in STEM sectors.
Experts argue that Nigeria must act deliberately and decisively. Key measures include investing in vocational training for solar, wind, and electric vehicle technologies, and prioritising rural electrification as a means to stimulate local economies and generate sustainable jobs.
Importantly, policy frameworks must integrate gender considerations to ensure women are not excluded from the green economy.
The green economy is fast becoming the engine of modern employment systems. For Nigeria, it presents an opportunity to address youth unemployment, promote inclusive growth, and lead in climate-resilient development.
But without strategic national action, Nigeria risks missing the wave—while others ride it to prosperity.
