The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) and the Federal Ministry of Environment are gearing up for the third Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking. Recently, they set up a Quality Assurance and Expert Review Panel and organized meetings with Climate Desk Officers and State Directors from all 36 states.
This ranking, launched in 2024, aims to bridge gaps in climate governance at the state level and enhance accountability. According to SPP, it offers a reliable way to measure and compare how states manage climate initiatives.
The initiative not only assists development partners in aligning funding with states’ governance practices but also fosters peer learning among them. Mr. Timothy Ogenyi, the Technical Project Lead, introduced an updated methodology that emphasizes realistic climate outcomes based on lessons learned from past rankings.
Senior Policy Analyst Mr. Nnaemeka Oruh noted that this year’s ranking will evaluate states on various factors, such as governance structures, project execution, climate finance, and public visibility. He emphasized that the focus is on implementation, saying, “We will investigate projects to ensure they tackle actual climate challenges.”
Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, President of SPP, acknowledged the panel members’ contributions to prior editions and expressed confidence in their capabilities. Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, the Director of Climate Change at the Federal Ministry of Environment, praised the ranking as an essential tool for assessing climate governance across states. She highlighted the independence and technical expertise of the review panel members as crucial for maintaining the integrity of the process.
In a recent meeting, the SPP and the Ministry provided guidance on data collection for the ranking. Okereke described the initiative as more than just a ranking; it promotes accountability and capacity building among states. He emphasized the critical role of state officers, referring to them as the “engine” of this process, and stressed the importance of accurate data submissions.
Abiola-Awe urged states to approach the ranking strategically, viewing it as a governance tool rather than a competition. The discussions included teamwork, evidence-based reporting, and collaboration among various ministries. Timelines were also established, with the questionnaires set to go live in late May and data collection wrapping up by June. The ranking report is expected to be released in September 2026.
Climate governance is a pressing topic today. Experts indicate that countries are facing significant challenges in meeting their climate goals. According to a recent study by the Global Climate Action Network, only 25% of nations are on track to deliver on their climate commitments. This highlights the importance of initiatives like the rating and ranking, which aim to improve accountability and foster effective climate actions.
As states engage with this ranking process, the collaborative efforts aim to not only better their climate performance but also to enhance trust and dependence on data-driven decisions for sustainable development.
