By Abigael Joshua
Federal Government is committed to strengthening climate change governance delivery through the Third Edition of the Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking Report.
Malam Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment, said this at the third Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking Report on Thursday in Abuja.
He said that climate change was now a development, economic, social and security imperative, with impacts including flooding, heat, drought, food insecurity, water pressures, infrastructure damage and livelihood disruption.
Lawal said Nigeria’s climate commitments could not be delivered by the Federal Government alone, stressing that success depended on effective implementation at state and community levels through stronger governance structures.
The minister urged governors to integrate climate priorities into development plans and budgets, mobilise climate finance, strengthen institutions, develop bankable projects, and ensure adaptation and mitigation actions deliver measurable benefits.
Lawal encouraged states to use the ranking as a management and accountability tool, and urged communities, women, youth, farmers, businesses and vulnerable groups to actively participate in building climate resilience.
Mrs Omotenioye Majekodunmi, the Director-General, National Council on Climate Change, said the rating report would strengthen climate governance, accountability and coordinated action across all government levels.
Majekodunmi said the report links national climate policies with state-level implementation, identifies gaps and encourages stronger institutions, financing arrangements and systems for delivering climate action.
She urged governors to mainstream climate change into state development plans, projects and investments, while encouraging partners and private sectors to support implementation towards inclusive low-carbon development.
Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, the President of the Society for Planet and Prosperity, presented the rationale and methodology of the ranking, and urged participants to provide feedback to improve future editions and strengthen the organisation’s learning process.
He said climate change was already causing significant impacts in Nigeria, including drought, desertification and flooding, with huge potential economic losses, while noting Nigeria had developed key policies, including NDCs and energy-transition plans.
“Nigeria’s climate ranking assesses governance, policies, implementation, resource mobilisation and visibility, using verified evidence. The exercise encourages states to improve climate action, learn from peers and attract funding.
“The third ranking showed broad improvement, with five states exceeding 80 per cent. Climate implementation carries the highest weight, while timely submissions earn bonus points for breaking verified-score ties,” Okereke said.
Prof. Mohammed Alamin, Katsina State Commissioner of Environment, and Special Adviser on Climate Change, said that Katsina State’s rose from 24th to second and now first.
He said that this achievement reflects a deliberate, gradual journey, driven by programmes aligned with global agendas, national priorities and effective governance.
He said climate-related challenges fuel socio-economic problems, including banditry and farmer-herder conflicts, stressing that addressing climate change can strengthen security, empower youths and women, and promote development.
Dr Nura Ibrahim, the Chairman of Environment Commissioners Forum, said state commissioners are committed to climate action, environmental protection and ecosystem conservation, pledging stronger performance in the subnational climate governance ranking.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Katsina State ranked first, Abia second , Kano third , Lagos fourth and Kwara fifth in the third Edition of the Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking Report.(NAN)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
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