By Faridat Salifu
Nigeria’s efforts to confront climate change are gaining momentum at the state level, as a pioneering subnational climate governance ranking encourages competition, collaboration, and measurable reforms across the 36 states.
Previously, climate action in Nigeria focused mainly on federal commitments and national policies, but the initiative, led by the Society for Planet and Prosperity in partnership with the Department of Climate Change, shifts attention to state governments, where climate impacts—floods, erosion, heatwaves, and desertification—are most directly experienced.
Now in its second year, the Subnational Climate Governance Ranking assesses states on climate policy development, institutional arrangements, implementation of concrete projects, transparency, online visibility, and capacity to attract and manage climate finance.
Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, president of the Society for Planet and Prosperity, noted that the ranking is designed not to shame underperforming states but to promote peer learning and accelerate climate action. He added that nearly all states showed measurable improvements between the first and second editions, including creation of policies, action plans, and climate institutions.
The assessment also highlights persistent challenges, including financial constraints, limited technical expertise, and weak institutional capacity. To address these gaps, organisers are expanding the initiative into structured peer-learning networks and tailored capacity-building programmes aimed at translating policy into action.
Stakeholders, including Commissioners of Environment, welcomed the initiative. Jigawa State Commissioner Nura Ibrahim emphasized that peer-learning engagements would strengthen inter-state collaboration, targeted training, and adoption of mitigation and adaptation measures.
The initiative has drawn support from international partners such as the African Climate Foundation and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, whose contributions have supported framework development, technical reviews, and stakeholder engagement. Observers note that such partnerships are essential for unlocking climate finance and enhancing accountability across Nigeria’s climate governance landscape.