By Joel Ajayi
The Executive Secretary of the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN), Dr. Tosin Akande, has commended Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Nigeria and all the partners for their efforts in advocating labor rights amid Nigeria’s energy transition process.
Dr. Akande gave this commendation in her goodwill message at the public presentation of the Workers’ Charter of Demand and Stakeholders’ Engagement held on Thursday in Abuja.
The event, put on place by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in collaboration with FES Nigeria, also marked the launch of the Justice Department Transition Project, aimed at ensuring a just and sustainable shift to renewable energy.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Akande emphasized the importance of worker inclusion in the clean energy transition, noting that neglecting labor rights could undermine the process.
“A clean energy transition cannot be successful if workers are neglected. We must create mechanisms for reskilling and upskilling, particularly for workers who have spent their careers in the fossil fuel industry.”
She also highlighted the renewable energy sector’s vast potential for job creation, stressing that strong policies are essential to prevent unemployment and poor working conditions.“Without strong policies, many workers could face job losses or poor working conditions.”
Her remarks reinforced the urgent need for collaborative efforts between government, labour unions, and industry stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s transition to clean energy is both equitable and sustainable.
