The Dawn of Green Governance: Shaping Inclusive Growth Through Stakeholder Collaboration in Nigeria
Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its development trajectory, grappling with the dual challenges of economic growth and environmental sustainability. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these issues, a groundbreaking initiative has emerged: a Stakeholders’ Forum dedicated to fostering green policies within the informal economy. This forum, a product of collaborative research between De Montfort University, the University of Lagos, and other key stakeholders, signifies a paradigm shift towards inclusive and participatory policy-making. It aims to bridge the chasm between policy aspirations and on-the-ground realities, harnessing the potential of renewable energy while addressing the unique needs of Nigeria’s vibrant informal sector.
The impetus for this initiative stems from the global imperative to address climate change. As a signatory to the 2015 Paris Agreement, Nigeria has committed to limiting global temperature rise. However, translating this commitment into tangible action requires a concerted effort to transition towards renewable energy sources. This transition is particularly crucial in Nigeria, where the existing energy landscape is largely unregulated, presenting both challenges and opportunities. The forum recognizes the urgency of this situation, exacerbated by the recent removal of petroleum subsidies and the resultant surge in the cost of living. These economic pressures underscore the need for affordable and sustainable energy solutions, making the transition to renewable energy not just an environmental imperative but also an economic necessity.
The Stakeholders’ Forum, tentatively named "The Renewable Energy Stakeholders’ Forum," serves as a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration. It brings together a diverse array of actors, including renewable energy practitioners, users, academics, and members of the public. This inclusive approach recognizes that effective policy-making requires the input and buy-in of all stakeholders, especially those most directly affected by the policies. The forum aims to address the communication gap between the largely informal renewable energy market and policymakers. Research has revealed a significant lack of awareness regarding green policies and climate change within this sector. By fostering dialogue and knowledge sharing, the forum seeks to empower informal sector participants to become active agents of change in the transition to a sustainable energy future.
The forum’s initial meetings have highlighted the need for a hybrid approach, combining online and in-person interactions to maximize participation and ensure accessibility. This approach is crucial for bridging the geographical and logistical barriers that often hinder engagement, particularly within the informal sector. The forum will adopt flexible modalities to accommodate the diverse needs of its members, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered. This commitment to inclusivity is essential for building trust and fostering a sense of ownership among stakeholders, crucial ingredients for successful policy implementation.
Beyond the focus on renewable energy, the research team has also established a separate Stakeholders’ Forum for Inclusive Policy for the Informal Economy in Lagos, Nigeria. This forum reflects a broader recognition of the informal sector’s pivotal role in the Nigerian economy. It represents a decade-long collaboration between universities in the UK and Nigeria, alongside the Federation of Informal Workers Organisation of Nigeria and the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation. This partnership underscores the commitment to engaging directly with those who operate within the informal economy, including street hawkers and motorcycle riders, often marginalized in traditional policy-making processes.
The Inclusive Policy Forum aims to bridge the communication gap between informal sector operators and the government. This is a crucial step towards developing policies that are not only effective but also equitable and responsive to the needs of all citizens. The forum serves as a platform for co-creating inclusive policies, ensuring that the voices of the informal sector are heard and integrated into the policy-making process. This participatory approach recognizes that effective policies must be grounded in the lived experiences of those they are intended to serve. The forum builds upon research initially supported by the British Academy, titled "Inclusive Poverty Reduction: In Search of a Policy Framework to Support Individuals Operating in the Informal Economy in Lagos, Nigeria." This research has provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the informal sector, informing the forum’s agenda and ensuring its relevance to the needs of this vital segment of the Nigerian economy.
The establishment of these two interconnected forums represents a significant step towards building a more sustainable and inclusive future for Nigeria. By fostering dialogue, collaboration, and co-creation, these initiatives aim to empower stakeholders to actively participate in shaping policies that affect their lives. These forums recognize that the transition to a green economy and the inclusion of the informal sector are not separate agendas but intertwined aspects of a broader development strategy. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, these forums offer a unique opportunity to develop innovative solutions that address both environmental and economic challenges, paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable Nigeria. The forums also represent a commitment to evidence-based policy-making, drawing on extensive research and data to inform discussions and guide policy recommendations. This approach ensures that policies are grounded in reality and are more likely to achieve their intended outcomes.
The implementation of these initiatives will contribute to national efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10). The forums also align with the principles of the Paris Agreement, supporting Nigeria’s commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. By creating a platform for evidence-based policy-making and inclusive dialogue, these initiatives have the potential to set a new standard for governance in Nigeria and beyond. The long-term success of both forums will depend on sustained engagement from all stakeholders, continued funding for research and implementation, and a commitment to translating policy discussions into concrete actions that create tangible benefits for the people of Nigeria.
