Lagos Leads the Way in 2025 Subnational Climate Governance: Here’s What You Need to Know – Realnews Magazine

Lagos State has once again topped the charts in the 2025 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ratings, marking its second consecutive year in first place. This was revealed during a recent report presentation in Abuja.

The ranking, initiated by the Department of Climate Change and the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), aims to boost climate action at the state level. It assesses how well states perform across five key areas: climate institutional arrangements, policy frameworks, budget allocations for climate projects, implementation of climate programs, and public communication on climate issues.

This year, Lagos scored 315 points, followed closely by Katsina at 310 and Kaduna at 305. Malam Balarabe Lawal, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, highlighted the score as a reflection of Lagos’s commitment to climate governance.

Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, SPP President, noted that these thematic areas are crucial for improving state leadership in climate action. “This ranking shows how committed each state is and reveals where they need to improve,” he explained.

Mrs. Tenioye Majekodunmi, Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), praised the rankings as a significant milestone for grassroots climate initiatives in Nigeria. She emphasized that local governments play a vital role in turning national climate goals into reality.

Samantha Harrison, from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, stressed the importance of local actors in climate governance. “Without them, our policies remain mere documents,” she said.

Kano State’s environment commissioner, Dahiru Hashim, mentioned that the rankings promote healthy competition and collaboration among states, encouraging knowledge sharing and addressing climate challenges more effectively.

Lagos’s Environment and Water Resources Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, viewed this recognition as evidence of the state’s leadership in sustainable climate policies. He noted, “This reinforces our commitment to resilience and green growth across our economy.”

From an international perspective, Prof. Anthony Nyong, with the African Development Bank, described the initiative as a valuable tool for evidence-based policymaking and aligning investments for a just climate transition.

The Subnational Climate Governance Rating began in 2024 and has quickly become a key instrument for enhancing transparency and collaboration among Nigeria’s 36 states. Notably, this year saw Kano and Enugu States show remarkable improvements, entering the top five for the first time.

As climate change continues to threaten communities globally, the push for effective local governance and actions grows stronger. Lagos’s achievement serves as an inspiration for other states to elevate their climate efforts, showcasing what is possible with dedicated commitment.



Source link