By Joan Nwagwu
Keffi (Nassarawa) Oct. 15, 2025 (NAN) The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) have renewed calls for workers’ inclusion in climate governance.
The two organisations, responsible for promotion of social justice and rights of labour, made the call on Wednesday in Keffi, Nasarawa state ahead of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30).
The UN climate convention scheduled for Nov. 10 to Nov. 21 in Belém, Brazil will focus on the efforts needed to limit global temperature and presentation of new national action plans.
Speaking at the opening of a three-day Retreat on preparation for the global climate conference, the NLC Acting General Secretary, Mr Benson Upah said “climate change remains a workplace reality and workers bear its impact’’.
Upah represented by Mr Eche Asuzu, National Coordination for NLC on Climate change, emphasised the need for workers to be included in national and global climate policies.
He urged Global South countries to take charge of their climate destiny through bold green policies and worker-centred climate action.
Upah commended the ILO, National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and partners for supporting NLC’s Climate Change, Green Jobs and Just Transition Programme.
Speaking in the same veins, Ms Inviolata Chinyangarara,
ILO Senior Specialist, described trade unions as key actors in achieving a just transition and ensuring decent work in a green economy.
She said ILO remains committed to empowering workers’ organisations through dialogue, skills development and advocacy to ensure no one is left behind.
Chinyangarara commended NLC for developing strong climate positions, hosting COP side events, and raising workers’ awareness on green policies and sustainable transition.
She highlighted the German Cooperation Project supporting social partners’ capacity for gender-responsive, job-rich green growth in Nigeria and other countries.
Mrs Omoteniola Majekodunmi, NCCC Director-General, said the Council coordinates climate action across government, private sector and civil society.
Majekodunmi who was represented by Ms Jummai Vandu,
a climate change specialist at NCCC, said the Council also coordinates climate action across government, private sector and civil society.
She noted that under the present leadership, NCCC ensures workers’ voices are included in climate action and just transition programmes nationwide.
She commended ILO, FES, PSI and Solidarity Centre for supporting NLC’s climate efforts, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work.
The three-day Pre-COP 30 meeting, organised by NLC, ILO, NCCC and others partners is expected to harmonise workers’ positions before COP 30.
