Ajibola Adedoye
Lagos State has once again emerged as the top-performing state in Nigeria’s 2025 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking, reaffirming its leadership role in climate action for the second consecutive year.
The results were officially announced on Tuesday during the public presentation of the second edition of the climate governance report held in Abuja. The annual ranking initiative is spearheaded by the Department of Climate Change under the Federal Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP).
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The ranking evaluates the performance of all 36 Nigerian states across five key thematic areas, aimed at fostering climate accountability, transparency, and local-level action. These thematic areas include:
- Institutional arrangements for climate governance
- Status of climate policies, action plans, and legal frameworks
- Budgetary allocations to climate-related projects
- Implementation and monitoring of climate programmes
- Online visibility and public communication on climate issues
Lagos secured the highest overall score of 315 points, closely followed by Katsina with 310 points and Kaduna with 305 points. Both Kano and Enugu States also made significant progress, breaking into the top five for the first time since the inception of the ranking in 2024.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, commended the participating states for their growing commitment to climate governance, noting that the initiative has inspired healthy competition and increased momentum across the country.
“Lagos remains at the forefront, but what is more encouraging is the number of states that are improving rapidly. This is a positive sign for Nigeria’s climate future,” Lawal stated.
President of the Society for Planet and Prosperity, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, highlighted the significance of the five thematic areas used in the assessment, describing them as essential pillars for effective climate governance.
“The ranking offers a data-driven reflection of each state’s progress and provides clear direction for improvement. It is a tool not just for recognition, but for strategic planning and performance enhancement,” Prof. Okereke said.
Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Mrs Tenioye Majekodunmi, also praised the progress made by states, noting that subnational actors are increasingly demonstrating political will to implement climate policies.
“This second edition of the ranking is a testament to the growing climate consciousness among state governments. It marks another milestone in our efforts to localize national climate ambitions,” she remarked.
Representing the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ms. Samantha Harrison, First Secretary for Climate Diplomacy, emphasized the critical role of subnational stakeholders in translating national climate goals into tangible results.
“Without strong subnational engagement, our climate policies remain spreadsheets on paper. Effective local action is not just beneficial; it is essential,” she said.
Dr. Dahiru Hashim, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change in Kano State, acknowledged the positive impact the ranking has had on inter-state collaboration and knowledge exchange.
“It’s more than just a competition. It provides a framework to showcase progress, promote learning, and respond to climate threats that affect communities most directly,” he said.
Responding to the announcement, Lagos State’s Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the recognition reaffirms the state’s ongoing efforts to mainstream sustainability and climate resilience.
“We are proud of this recognition. It motivates us to deepen our efforts in embedding climate action in every part of our economy — from infrastructure to public health and urban planning,” Wahab said.
From the donor community, Prof. Anthony Nyong, Director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank (AfDB), praised the initiative as a pioneering model for climate accountability in Africa.
“The ranking creates a vital mechanism for evidence-based policymaking and resource alignment. It helps guide investments to where they are most needed and where results are being delivered,” he said.
Launched in 2024, the Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking has quickly become a central tool for evaluating climate leadership at the state level in Nigeria. With its focus on measurable progress and systemic improvements, the initiative is driving a culture of climate responsibility across the country.
The 2025 edition, marked by strong performances from both long-standing leaders like Lagos and new entrants like Kano and Enugu, underscores the growing momentum behind Nigeria’s climate decentralization efforts.
As climate impacts intensify across Africa, the ranking serves not only as a benchmarking tool but also as a rallying point for shared commitment to building a resilient and low-carbon future.
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