FG Deploys Mechanism to Track States, Lgas Climate Management Efforts

By Abdullahi Lukman

The federal government has unveiled a new initiative, the Climate Action Index (CAI), designed to assess, track, and rank the climate change management efforts of states and local government areas.

The index, launched at a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, aims to drive accountability and encourage competition among subnational governments in addressing climate change.

The workshop, organized by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in partnership with the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI) and the Centre for Climate Action, Innovation and Engagement (CCAIE), highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive climate action across all levels of government.

Dasuki Arabi, Director-General of BPSR, said that the CAI is a crucial tool for ensuring transparent, measurable, and impactful climate actions at the subnational level.

“The Climate Action Index we introduce today is designed as a tool to assess, track, and rank sub-national climate efforts,” Arabi stated, adding that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Climate Change Act of 2021.

The index will evaluate states and LGAs based on three key pillars, according to the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) framework: alignment of climate action plans with federal targets, integration of climate considerations into state policies, and the effectiveness of implementation frameworks.

Mr. A’Aron John, Executive Director of CCAIE, expressed concern over Nigeria’s increasing emissions, noting a Compound Annual Growth Rate of one percent between 1990 and 2021.

He stressed the importance of the CAI in identifying implementation gaps and promoting accountability towards a net-zero future.

“The pillars are climate action plan alignment with the federal targets, integration into state policies and implementation frameworks,” John explained.

The workshop drew participation from the National Emergency Management Agency of Nigeria and other critical stakeholders, underscoring the collaborative approach needed to tackle climate change.

The Federal Government highlighted the direct consequences of climate change on Nigeria’s economy, environment, and public well-being, emphasizing the necessity for a holistic approach to mitigation and adaptation.