The Federal Government says Nigeria’s energy transition strategy is now firmly linked to job creation, with a focus on empowering youth and women through green skills training and employment initiatives.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made this known during her address at the IEA Global Commission on People-Centred Energy Transitions held in Brussels on June 12.
“Recognising that people must be at the centre of the energy transition, we have embedded labour and employment strategies into our national energy planning,” Onyejeocha said.
She noted that the government has already begun rolling out programmes such as the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), launched in April 2025, which trains auto-technicians to convert petrol-powered vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG) systems. Women and youths are also receiving training in renewable energy skills as part of the initiative.
“Our approach is grounded in the principle that the energy transition must create opportunity, not dislocation,” she added, highlighting the need for social protection and community involvement.
According to the minister, the recently approved National Employment Policy puts green jobs and skill-building for vulnerable groups at the heart of its agenda. She also spotlighted the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) as a key strategy to reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and stimulate employment.
“We are committed to building a future where clean energy delivers not just sustainability, but shared prosperity and dignity of work,” Onyejeocha stated.
She called on the international community to partner with Nigeria in ensuring that the shift to clean energy yields not only environmental gains but also economic justice.
Onyejeocha concluded that Nigeria is positioning itself as a model for other developing nations seeking to align energy reforms with inclusive labour policies, saying: “This transition is about protecting our workforce and unlocking new opportunities for all.”
