Unlocking Insights: 14 Out of 36 Nigerian States Achieve Average Climate Governance Performance – Key Findings from Recent Report

In Nigeria, climate change is a pressing issue that affects everyone, from farmers to city dwellers. A recent report from the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) highlights how the country’s 36 states are responding to this challenge.

The 2025 Subnational Climate Governance Rating and Ranking, released on October 14, 2025, reveals significant differences in how states manage climate-related issues. It involves assessing each state on five main criteria: institutional arrangements for climate, policies and legal frameworks, budget allocation for climate projects, implementation of programs, and how well they communicate with the public.

Lagos emerged as the frontrunner, demonstrating a strong commitment to climate resilience. The city’s Climate Action Plan, introduced in 2021, focuses on renewable energy, improving drainage systems, and protecting coastal areas from rising sea levels. This commitment is reflected in its top scores for climate project implementation and monitoring.

Gombe and Ebonyi states follow closely in second and third place, respectively, both receiving high ratings. Other states like Borno and Ekiti are also performing well, with positions ranging from fourth to twelfth.

However, not all states are doing equally well. A significant number, including Kano and Zamfara, ranked lower, with Zamfara being the least effective in climate governance. Alarmingly, only nine states have Climate Action Plans, emphasizing a significant gap in strategic climate planning.

Online visibility is vital for effective climate governance. It allows governments to share information and engage citizens in climate action. Yet, only a handful of states, including Lagos and Anambra, boast functional websites for their environmental ministries. This lack of online engagement hinders public awareness and participation.

As climate impacts become more severe across Africa, this ranking serves as both a performance benchmark and a call to action. States must recognize their roles and collaborate to move towards sustainability. By learning from high-performing states and improving transparency and communication, Nigeria can work toward a greener future.

This report isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating a roadmap for better climate governance. In a world increasingly affected by climate change, every action counts, and states have the power to drive meaningful change. For further insights on climate governance initiatives, you can visit the SPP Nigeria report.

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