By HeapNews
BENIN CITY, Nigeria, In a bold step toward accelerating Nigeria’s low-carbon transition and unlocking inclusive green employment, Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API), Connected Advocacy, and the INCLUDE Knowledge Platform, in collaboration with the House Committee on Renewable Energy, convened the Merged-Zonal Africa Policy Dialogue (APD) Legislative Engagement and Green Job Fair in Benin City, Edo State.
The landmark event brought together lawmakers, renewable energy leaders, youth innovators, and private sector stakeholders from across the South-South and South-West zones to connect legislative vision with practical solutions for green job creation, renewable energy adoption, and inclusive economic growth.
Declaring the dialogue open, Afam Victor Ogene, Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to ensuring an equitable and sustainable transition to a green economy.
“The National Assembly remains steadfast in driving legislation that guarantees a fair and inclusive green transition for all Nigerians,” Ogene said. “We must build frameworks that create jobs, empower communities, and protect our planet.”
His Deputy, Iliyasu Aliyu Abubakar, joined in the call for stronger legislative backing for renewable energy and inclusive employment.
Speaking on the objectives of the APD, Abra Dangnan, Deputy Chair and CoP/APD Co-Lead, noted that the dialogue aimed to bridge the gap between national green policies and subnational realities.
“Our focus is to translate policy commitments into community-level action that truly benefits citizens,” Dangnan stated.
Mr. Aniebiet Obot, APD Co-Lead, presented updates on stakeholder engagement and methodology, while Prince Israel Orekha, Executive Director of Connected Advocacy and Zonal Coordinator for the South-South/South-West APD, emphasised the importance of aligning legislation with local action.
“For Nigeria’s green transition to succeed, policies must reflect the realities of our communities,” Orekha said. “This dialogue is about connecting national ambition to grassroots innovation.”
Distinguished guests included Mr. Kenneth Iwoghiren, Director for Climate (representing the Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability), Dr. Emeribe Chukwudi Nnaemeka of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Engr. Osakwe Ize-Iyamu of the NDDC, and traditional and religious leaders, including Chief Kelvin Edegie and Rev. Ogakwu Abaros Simeon.
Delivering a goodwill message, Paul Musa Emuekpere, of Connected Advocacy and Founder of TLN–Christ for the World, underscored the need for youth inclusion in green job design and execution.
“Youth must not just be beneficiaries but active architects of Nigeria’s green economy,” Emuekpere urged. “Internship and employment support systems are crucial to make this possible.”
During the Green Jobs Fair Panel moderated by Carl Oshodi-Isibor and Mrs. Adesuwa James Jang, speakers including Prof. (Mrs) Georgina Erifeta, Amb. Dr. Ogiemwonyi Brightence, and Mrs. Edith Iyalomhe shared insights on building green skills and promoting climate-smart entrepreneurship. Private sector representatives reaffirmed their commitment to creating jobs through renewable energy investments, skills training, and local manufacturing.
Moderated sessions led by Prince Orekha highlighted key priorities such as harmonised data systems for regional needs, tailored policy frameworks for informal sector participation, competency-based TVET–industry partnerships, and greater inclusion of women, youth, and rural communities in green initiatives.
Pre- and post-event surveys showed a significant rise in awareness about green career opportunities, with vocational institutions expressing intent to align training with emerging market demands.
The dialogue concluded with commitments to integrate zonal recommendations into the National Inclusive Green Jobs Bill (NIGJA) and the National Green Skills Employment Alliance (NGSEA) drafts, as well as employer pledges for internship placements and the creation of regional follow-up coalitions.
“This event marks a turning point,” said Orekha in closing. “It demonstrates how collaboration between policymakers, industry, and citizens can turn Nigeria’s climate commitments into real jobs, resilient livelihoods, and inclusive growth.”
The South-South/South-West APD Dialogue stands as a defining moment in advancing Nigeria’s green economy, one that links legislative leadership to practical, people-centered climate action.