NIGJA envisions a future where every solar panel, mini-grid, and clean cooking initiative not only powers homes but unlocks employment opportunities, particularly for Africa’s growing youth population.”
By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, has disclosed that a new legislative framework is underway to link Nigeria’s renewable energy investments to job creation, especially for youths and women.
Ogene disclosed this at the South-West Post-Conference Stakeholders’ Roundtable on Renewable Energy held in Osogbo, Osun State.
He said the committee is partnering with INCLUDE, a Netherlands-based knowledge platform, to draft the National Inclusive Green Jobs Act (NIGJA).
“As part of the growing momentum to ensure that Africa’s energy transition also delivers a just and inclusive employment transition, the House Committee on Renewable Energy is advancing plans for a landmark legislative proposal — the National Inclusive Green Jobs Act (NIGJA),” Ogene said.
He explained that the bill seeks to create and reserve specific percentages of green jobs for young people and women in Nigeria, describing it as “a foundational piece of a broader national development agenda.”
“NIGJA envisions a future where every solar panel, mini-grid, and clean cooking initiative not only powers homes but unlocks employment opportunities, particularly for Africa’s growing youth population,” he said. “It will also align with regional trade frameworks under AfCFTA, ensuring that Nigeria’s green workforce can thrive in a competitive, integrated African energy market.”
Ogene noted that renewable energy is a top legislative priority for the 10th House of Representatives, under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. “In a historic first, the Speaker established the House Committee on Renewable Energy to spearhead policies, track progress, and promote investment in sustainable energy solutions,” he said.
He also disclosed that the House had passed a resolution mandating all federal ministries, departments, and agencies to transition to renewable energy. “This is a model that could be replicated in the states to drive a unified national development trajectory,” he added.
Other speakers at the roundtable echoed Ogene’s position, stressing the need for policy frameworks that support green job creation. They called for deliberate action to create an enabling environment for the renewable energy sector to generate employment that benefits youths and women.
The roundtable, themed “From Vision to Action: Localising Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Legislative Agenda,” brought together lawmakers, government officials, development partners, and technical experts to chart a path for sub-national energy transition.
Representing Governor Ademola Adeleke, Osun State Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi presented the state’s draft Renewable Energy Policy and Climate Action Plan. He described the documents as “key instruments for building a strong legislative and institutional foundation for an inclusive energy transition.”
In a message delivered on his behalf, Governor Adeleke said, “We are unveiling our Climate-Smart Investment Portfolio as a strategic roadmap designed to attract responsible capital into renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and the circular economy.”
He noted that the state’s Climate Action Plan was developed through consultations with experts, grassroots communities, and development agencies. “Our climate vision extends beyond today; it is for generations yet unborn,” he said.