As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, Public Services International (PSI)and its Nigerian affiliates have called on the federal government to prioritize strengthening public services and enhancing protection for workers. These calls come amidst growing concerns over the significant effects climate change is having on public service workers, many of whom are often the first responders during emergencies.
At a recent workshop in Abuja, PSI highlighted the urgent need to address the challenges climate change poses for public service workers, particularly those in critical sectors like healthcare, electricity, and local government. Moradeke Abiodun-Badru, PSI’s Project Coordinator for English-speaking West Africa, stressed that these workers are at the front lines of disasters like flooding, which is becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change. She also pointed out that women are especially vulnerable in these situations.
Public service workers are not only part of the communities affected by these disasters; they also serve on the front lines, providing essential services to those impacted,Abiodun-Badru explained. The flooding we are experiencing today is not just a natural disaster; it is driven by climate change.
She emphasized the need for **quality public services**—such as water, electricity, and healthcare—to be bolstered, not only to support communities in times of crisis but also to help build resilience against future climate disasters.
One of the key messages from the workshop was the importance of incorporating climate change impacts into collective bargaining agreements between the government, employers, and unions. This would ensure that public service workers’ rights are upheld in the face of the challenges brought on by extreme weather events.
PSI’s Climate Change Project Coordinator, sandra Van Niekerk, echoed these sentiments, noting that climate change is making it harder for workers across various sectors to perform their duties. “Whether it is dealing with heat stress or navigating floods to get to work, it is crucial to negotiate with employers to ensure workers are protected,” she said.
Van Niekerk also highlighted solutions that could be explored during extreme weather conditions, such as limiting work during periods of intense heat, providing more breaks, or establishing cooling stations. The need for policies addressing worker safety, including commuting difficulties during floods, was emphasized, as these issues can affect workers’ ability to maintain their jobs and provide essential services.
Since 2020, PSI has trained over 300 members of affiliated unions in Nigeria on how climate change affects public service delivery. These training programs have helped prepare workers for the growing challenges climate change presents, ensuring they are better equipped to serve their communities while also protecting their rights and safety.
Comrade Marwan Mustapha, President of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), spoke at the workshop, focusing on how climate change is impacting judicial workers, especially in rural areas. He highlighted food shortages and insecurity as key concerns, with some judicial workers even being kidnapped by bandits. Mustapha stressed the need for education and training initiatives to help workers adapt to the evolving environment, particularly in areas experiencing heightened insecurity due to climate-driven factors.
As climate change continues to reshape the global landscape, the need for strong public services and worker protections has never been more critical. PSI’s call for the Nigerian government to strengthen its commitment to quality public services and to protect workers in the face of growing climate challenges is timely and essential.
By incorporating climate change impacts into collective bargaining and providing training for workers, Nigeria can ensure that its public service workers are both protected and empowered to respond effectively to the increasing threats posed