Nigeria’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) and the Just Transition Guidelines and Action Plan (JT-GAP) mark a pivotal moment for the country’s climate future. As Nigeria strives toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy, the youth – who make up more than 60% of the population – are not just beneficiaries but critical drivers of this transformation.
From Climate Awareness to Climate Literacy: The first step for Nigerian youth is to build technical literacy on climate governance. The JT-GAP calls for evidence-based, people-centered transitions anchored in equity and inclusivity. Youth networks should deepen their understanding of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), the Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), and the NDC 3.0 framework. Integrating climate education into university curricula, vocational programs, and civic engagement platforms will enable young Nigerians to transition from passive observers to informed advocates and implementers.
Driving Green Skills and Workforce Development: The JT-GAP highlights reskilling and upskilling as a strategic national priority. Youth-led organisations must collaborate with the private sector and training institutes to create Green Skills Hubs in renewable energy, waste management, climate-smart agriculture, and circular economy practices. This alignment will ensure the NDC’s mitigation targets generate equitable employment opportunities.
Catalysing Local Climate Action: Youth must localize NDC implementation by transforming community-level initiatives into measurable climate actions. Projects such as solar mini-grids, recycling enterprises, and urban tree planting can serve as micro-models for adaptation and mitigation. These grassroots interventions reflect the inclusive governance and social protection priorities outlined in the JT-GAP.
Pushing for Policy Accountability and Open Climate Data: A just transition requires transparency. Youth organisations can partner with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) to monitor NDC implementation using open data dashboards and citizen scorecards. Civic-tech tools can track emissions data, financing, and social impacts – turning climate accountability into a youth-powered reality.
Engaging in Climate Finance and Innovation: Nigeria’s transition will demand massive investment mobilized from domestic and international sources. Youth entrepreneurs must therefore venture into green startups – from renewable energy enterprises to climate fintech – that can attract concessional loans, carbon credits, and green bonds. Partnerships with entities such as the Development Bank of Nigeria and the Green Climate Fund will be critical.
Strengthening Social Inclusion and Gender Equity: The NDC 3.0 cannot succeed without ensuring gender-responsive and inclusive action. The JT-GAP stresses that women, youth, and persons with disabilities should be prioritised in planning and leadership. Youth coalitions should mainstream social inclusion to ensure equitable participation and benefits in the green economy.
Building Alliances for Just Transition: Finally, Nigerian youth must embrace coalition-building. Collaboration among youth movements, civil society, academia, and local government will strengthen advocacy and resource sharing. Establishing a National Youth Platform on Just Transition and NDC Implementation could unify youth voices in national and international climate dialogues.
In conclusion, the NDC 3.0 is not just a climate document – it’s a generational roadmap. For Nigerian youth, the task ahead is clear: to transform commitment into capacity, awareness into accountability, and ambition into tangible community impact. By anchoring their efforts on justice, innovation, and inclusion, Nigerian youth can turn the Just Transition vision into a sustainable legacy for generations to come.
By Olumide Idowu, Executive Director, International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI-Africa)