The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, has urged Nigerian states to establish their own climate policies, actions, and plans to foster sustainable development across the country. He emphasized this during his keynote speech at the launch of the Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ranking in Abuja on Thursday.
Minister Lawal pointed out Nigeria’s susceptibility to climate change impacts, stressing the need for a unified effort from all government levels to tackle these issues. “Climate governance at the sub-national level is crucial because the effects of climate change are most pronounced here.
Coastal regions experience erosion, and the northern areas face severe desertification. Local governments play a vital role in implementing policies that directly affect community livelihoods. Therefore, their involvement in climate action is indispensable,” he stated.
He elaborated that the Sub-National Climate Governance Performance Ranking is designed not just as a ranking system, but as a motivational, collaborative, and accountability tool. This ranking identifies best practices, highlights areas needing improvement, and encourages healthy competition among states and local governments. By recognizing top performers and aiding those who are behind, Nigeria can strengthen its overall climate response.
In her goodwill address, Dr. Priscilla Achakpa, founder of the Women Environmental Programme, noted that the report underscores the performance of sub-national governments on climate issues and serves as a catalyst for improved climate governance. She emphasized the urgency for climate leadership at all governance levels due to the increasing adverse effects of climate change, which threaten development, exacerbate poverty, and widen gender inequalities.
“We believe this report will motivate sub-national governments to enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities against climate impacts and contribute to Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement,” she said. Dr. Achakpa called on states, government agencies, international organizations, civil society, and other stakeholders to use the report as a guide for climate actions in Nigeria.
The 2024 awards saw Lagos State ranked highest among Nigeria’s 36 states for Climate Governance Performance. The inaugural ranking also placed Gombe State second and Ebonyi State third, with Borno and Ekiti states sharing fourth place. Oyo, Kano, and Zamfara states were at the bottom, ranked 34th, 35th, and 36th, respectively.
The event was organized by the Department of Climate Change in the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP).
Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, director of the Society for Planet and Prosperity, explained that the ranking criteria are stringent and comprehensive, reflecting the complex nature of climate governance.
“The evaluation covers policy formulation, implementation effectiveness, stakeholder engagement, resource allocation, and measurable outcomes. This holistic approach ensures that the assessment is both quantitative and qualitative, capturing the essence of effective climate governance across Nigerian states,” he added.
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