Stakeholders Call for Collaborative Action for Just Transition to Sustainable Practices at BJAN Consumer Day Event
At the recent World Consumer Rights Day 2025, organized by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) on March 14 at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, stakeholders from various sectors underscored the urgent need for a just transition towards sustainable lifestyles that prioritize fairness, equity, and inclusivity.
In her impactful keynote address, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan, CEO of Kratos Sustainability Consults, passionately argued that the journey to sustainability must be rooted in justice. “This transition is not merely about reducing waste or promoting eco-friendly products; it is fundamentally about ensuring equitable access to sustainable alternatives for all, without compromising quality of life,” she stated.
Victor-Laniyan pointed out the unsustainable nature of the current global consumer landscape, where rampant consumerism has exacerbated climate change, deforestation, water scarcity, and waste accumulation. She emphasized that the core issue is not excessive consumption but rather inequitable consumption, where the most vulnerable populations disproportionately bear the environmental burdens.
Calling for a just transition, she highlighted the need to address the concerns of workers, communities, and nations that will be affected by the shift to sustainability. “We must ground our transition in justice, acknowledging the needs of those historically excluded from the benefits of development, and ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind,” Victor-Laniyan urged.
Other prominent speakers at the event included Victoria Uwadoka, Head of Corporate Communication and Sustainability Lead at Nestle Nigeria; Oluseye Olokun, Sustainability and CSR Manager at Nigerian Breweries; Aderonke Aderinoye, Head of Sustainability and CSR at Guinness Nigeria; and Dennis Aideloje, Corporate Communication Manager at Rites Foods. They shared their organizations’ commitments to sustainability and emphasized the importance of collaboration and collective action in achieving a just transition.
Daniel Obi, Chairman of BJAN, opened the event by highlighting the significance of consumer awareness and education in promoting sustainability. He called on businesses to not only develop sustainable products and embrace ethical production practices but also to educate consumers about the benefits of sustainability.
Obi acknowledged the crucial support of various partners including Nestle Nigeria, Dangote Group, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Guinness Nigeria, UBA, Nigerian Breweries, Access Bank, and EXMAN, along with numerous other organizations committed to fostering a sustainable future.
As the call for a just transition resonates, stakeholders recognize that the path to sustainable lifestyles must ensure that no one is left behind, paving the way for a fairer and more equitable world.