By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal has launched report on climate governance performance rating and ranking of Nigeria’s 36 states 2nd edition.
Lawal made this known during the 2nd Edition of subnational climate governance performance rating and ranking of Nigeria’s 36 states (SCGPR2.0), yesterday in Abuja.
Lawal said, “let this launch be
the starting line for ambitious, actionable and inclusive climate governance that
delivers tangible benefits for our people and planet.
“President Bola Tinubu’s central focus is on climate change, that is why we have so many policies on climate change “.
He said,
“this moment marks a deliberate step forward in how we understand,
compare and accelerate climate action at the subnational level, a level where
policy meets place, and where urgency meets local ownership”.
He explained that the subnational governments are closest to
the people, closest to data, and to practicalities of implementation.
“The ranking
we unveil today is not merely a measure of performance; it is a catalyst for
learning, collaboration, and shared ambition. It invites constructive competition
that lifts the entire system rather than pitting communities against each other”.
He said this report serves as a critical objective of benchmarking and transparency
by compiling consistent indicators across subnational jurisdictions to create a clear
picture of where progress is strong and gaps persist.
He noted that the Ministry will tailor capacity building programs to address specific gaps
in data collection, climate budgeting, and project implementation by
recognizing
leadership reward for effective strategies to encourage replicable models across
jurisdictions.
He urged every subnational government represented to view the reports as a map, not a verdict, a map to show routes to higher performance, share lessons from the road, and help navigate towards a resilient, low-carbon future.
He also commented the subnational leaders (Honourable Commissioners for Environment and
States’ Climate Change Directors and Desk Officers) that work daily to protect communities and ecosystems which work daily to protect communities and ecosystems.
.”Your work is the backbone of our national climate resilience, to the coordinating and review panel team who design and validate the
indicators that make this ranking credible, your rigour sustains our progress, to our donor partners and development agencies.
“Your collaboration and support
expands possibilities and scales impacts, and to the people who hold us to higher standards, your voices remind us why this work is essential.”
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Kambari,said that the aim of the ranking is not to stigmatize but to illuminate; not to assign blame but to empower; not to celebrate only the best performers but to elevate the entire system so that every level of government can deliver tangible, sustainable improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
Kambari represented by the director of climate change, Iniobong Abiola-Awe said To the state governments: your role is pivotal. Use these rankings as a compass to identify priorities, set measurable targets, and mobilize resources.
“Engage with communities to co-create solutions that fit local contexts. Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, improve multi-stakeholder coordination, and adopt best practices that emerge from peer learning”.
Similarly, The representative of Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, Samantha Harrison, stated that the ranking is a practical tool and instrument for learning and provides accountability for our action.
The Director General, National Council on climate change Omotenioye Majekodunmi, represented by the head of legal Awele Ikobi, urged all states to view the reports as a roadmap for improvement.
“I urge all states irrespective of your position to view this report, not as a judgement but the road map for improvements. the national council for climate change as the Apex regulatory body is permitted to translate the highest national ambition into local realities, and their performance is central to this mission.”
Meanwhile, Professor of Global Climate Governance &Public Policy, School of Policy Studies University of Bristol Uk, Prof. Chukuwumerije Okereke, said Nigeria’s climate change goals cannot be attained without the many tributaries, stated, LGA’s and communities contributing.
“ For long a time the important of the sub nationals has been ignored”.
He said “This ranking and rating project is part of the efforts to ignite mores subnational action . Thankfully, the impact is being felt, Prof. Okereke stated .
Lagos state tops the ranking, followed by Katsina state and Kaduna. The three states were awarded while Kano state and Enugu states were certified for remarkable improvements recorded.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
