The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Organisation of Trade Unions of West Africa (OTUWA) have jointly stressed the pressing need for robust social protection frameworks to counter the growing challenges posed by climate change in West Africa. This call to action was made during a two-day workshop on Climate Change, Just Transition, and Social Protection, in Abuja.
The workshop, attended by various stakeholders, focused on how climate change is exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in the region, particularly for workers and marginalized communities.
In her opening remarks, Comrade Sophie D. Kourouma, the acting President of OTUWA, highlighted the importance of uniting different sectors to strengthen strategies for social protection and environmental sustainability.
Kourouma stated, “The adverse effects of climate change are undeniable, and we, as stakeholders, must collaborate to educate and equip our citizens with effective adaptation measures. It is crucial that our societies establish safety nets for those vulnerable to the unpredictable consequences of climate disasters.”
Liliane Napoe, International Adviser and Head of the West African Sub-regional Office of the Danish Trade Union Development Agency (DTDA), reiterated the devastating impact climate change has on the region’s workforce. She pointed out that extreme weather conditions, particularly rising temperatures, are significantly reducing working hours across West Africa.
Napoe explained, “In Africa, approximately 4.6% of working hours are lost due to climate-related factors, with the agricultural sector being the hardest hit.”
She added that low-income populations are especially vulnerable to these challenges, which are predicted to worsen. “More than 100 million people could be at risk of extreme poverty by 2030, primarily due to climate-induced job losses and the phasing out of industries reliant on high-carbon emissions. The situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive social protection systems.”
Napoe emphasized that social protection is more than a necessity—it is an indispensable tool for preventing poverty, ensuring social inclusion, and helping individuals cope with the direct effects of climate change, such as floods, droughts, and other unpredictable environmental changes.
John Odah, the Executive Secretary of OTUWA, stressed the need for increased advocacy from trade unions, particularly in pushing for phased job transitions. Odah argued that governments and the private sector must collaborate to expand the reach of social protection programs, ensuring that not only formal workers but also those in the informal sector are covered.
“With the transition to a low-carbon economy, job losses are inevitable in some sectors. However, it is essential that as we address the environmental crisis, we simultaneously create alternative employment opportunities. This will prevent further socio-economic disruptions,” said Odah.
He further highlighted the necessity for governments like Nigeria to intervene when climate disasters strike, such as the recent floods. He noted that existing social security provisions primarily cater to formal workers, leaving a vast number of informal workers unprotected.
“We must scale up and improve these provisions to reflect the realities of today’s workforce,” he added.
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