The Federal Government is partnering with various civil society organizations to evaluate how well states and Local Government Areas are tackling climate change. This collaboration is aimed at measuring and ranking their efforts.
Mr. Dasuki Arabi, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), shared this initiative during a workshop on the Climate Action Index (CAI) held on February 26, 2025, in Abuja. The workshop was a joint effort between the BPSR, the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI), and the Centre for Climate Action, Innovation, and Engagement (CCAIE).
According to Arabi, the CAI will promote accountability, inspire competition, and showcase successful practices that can be adopted nationwide. “This tool aims to assess, track, and rank climate efforts at the sub-national level,” he explained.
This workshop is part of Nigeria’s commitment under the Paris Agreement and the Climate Change Act of 2021, emphasizing the importance of transparent and measurable climate actions at local levels. Arabi pointed out that climate change poses serious risks to Nigeria’s economy, environment, and public health. Therefore, proactive measures are necessary to combat rising global temperatures.
He noted that while Nigeria, like many countries, has made significant climate pledges, the effectiveness of these goals relies heavily on the involvement of local governments. “Federal policies are essential, but active participation from states and local governments is just as crucial,” Arabi added.
Mr. A’Aron John, the Executive Director of CCAIE, mentioned that the CAI aims to highlight gaps in implementation and create actionable plans for a sustainable future. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s emissions rose by one percent annually from 1990 to 2021, underscoring the need for immediate action.
To effectively reduce emissions, the CAI will evaluate states and LGAs based on three main criteria: alignment with federal climate targets, integration into state policies, and implementation strategies. This approach will help shape a more sustainable and low-carbon economy for Nigeria.
The workshop included participation from the National Emergency Management Agency and other key stakeholders, reinforcing the collaborative effort to address climate change challenges in the country.
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Source linkcivil society organisations (CSOs),climate change,Dasuki Arabi,Federal Government,Local Government Areas (LGAs),states
