Category Archives: News Updates

By: Michael Mike

Lagos State has been ranked top among the 36 states of the country on Climate Governance Performance.

Gombe States was ranked second with Ebonyi State taking the Number 3 position, both Borno State and Ekiti State jointly ranked fourth.

Oyo, Kano and Zamfara States were ranked 34, 35 and 36 respectively, in the result announced on Thursday in Abuja at an event organised by the Departmentof Climate Change in the Federal Ministry of Environment in conjunction with Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP).

Speaking at the event, the President, SPP, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke decried that Nigeria is ranked as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world even though its contribution to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is minimal, noting that the country is vulnerable due to its complex agroecological zones, burgeoning urban and rural populations, extensive coastlines which is susceptible to sea level rise, and weak climate governance systems.

He added that with its significant impact on health, food security, livelihood, and economic development, climate change is emerging as a hot topic in Nigeria, increasing featuring in national discussions and political debates, noting that Nigerian government is committed to achieving net zero levels 2060 and has initiated some projects at different levels to facilitate the process.

He said: “The effective climate change governance at the subnational level demands the consideration and mainstreaming of climate action into all aspects of government policy-making and development planning. This must be strategically done with clearly set goals and an articulation of the method that will be used to attain the spelt-out goals.”

Okereke disclosed that the template for effective climate governance at the subnational level are vision and objectives, political will, institutional arrangements, policy framework, legal and regulatory framework, climate action plan and policy implementation, financial mechanisms, stakeholders engagement, training and capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, communication and awareness and integration with national and global efforts.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal said “Climate governance at the Sub-National level is essential for several reasons. It is at this level that the impacts of climate change are acutely felt. Lands in coastal communities are devastated by erosion while desertification is rampant in the Northern region of the Country. The Sub-National Governments are often at the forefront of implementing policies and actions that directly affect the lives and livelihoods of the people at the grassroots level, therefore, their role in driving climate action is indispensable.”

He noted that the Sub-National Climate Governance Performance Ranking was more than just a ranking, but a tool for motivation, collaboration, and accountability, adding that: “It highlights the best practices, identifies areas for improvement and fosters a spirit of healthy competition among our States and Local Governments. By celebrating the achievements of the top performers and providing support to those lagging behind, we can collectively elevate our national climate response. The criteria for this ranking are rigorous and comprehensive, reflecting the multifaceted nature of climate governance. The process encompasses policy formulation, implementation effectiveness, stakeholder’s engagement, resource allocation and measurable outcomes. This holistic approach ensures that our assessment is not merely quantitative but also qualitative, capturing the distinction of effective climate governance.”

On his part, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako said: “Nigeria, like many other nations, is experiencing the far-reaching consequences of climate change. From intensified droughts to severe flooding, the impacts are evident across our states, affecting lives, livelihoods, and our natural ecosystems. It is against this backdrop that we must recognize the pivotal role of our subnational governments in climate action.”

He added: “Today’s event is therefore to highlight the commitment of our 36 states and the FCT to climate governance and the strides they have made in implementing policies, strategies, and actions to combat climate change. The Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ranking serves as a platform to celebrate these successes, identify areas for improvement, and foster healthy competition that drives progress.

“As we reflect on the results of the ranking that will soon be announced, it is essential to remember that this is not merely an evaluation exercise. It is a call to action, a reminder that climate change requires a collaborative and inclusive approach. Each state has unique challenges and opportunities, and it is through sharing best practices, learning from one another, and working together that we can build resilience and ensure a sustainable future for all Nigerians.”

Gombe State has received an award for emerging with an AA rating in the climate governance performance ranking among the 36 states of Nigeria.

This recognition was bestowed on Gombe State by the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) during a high-level event held in Abuja.

The state was ranked second in the country, accumulating 128 points, just behind Lagos, which clinched the first position with 182 points. Ebonyi, Borno, and Ekiti states followed in third and fourth positions, respectively.

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawan, who chaired the event, stated that this first-ever rating and ranking of climate governance performance among states is aimed at promoting climate awareness and encouraging greater action at the subnational level.

He commended the Gombe State Government and other high-performing states for their significant strides in climate change action.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Water, and Forest Resources, Mohammed Sa’idu Fawu, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for recognizing the state’s achievements in climate change action.

He emphasised that the award would motivate his administration to intensify its efforts in environmental sustainability.

The Governor used the occasion to provide an overview of his administration’s efforts to address climate action, combat land degradation, and support livelihoods in Gombe State.

He said to address climate action, combat land degradation, and support livelihoods, his government launched the Gombe Goes Green Project (3G) in 2019 through aggressive reforestation and natural regeneration efforts.

The 3G project, he explained, set an ambitious target of planting and nurturing at least one million trees annually, providing direct employment to thousands of individuals, mainly youth, who are engaged in tree planting and nurturing.

“The pilot phase, which began in June 2019, has successfully planted over four million assorted seedlings in various parts of the state.”

In addition to the 3G Project, the Governor added, his administration is implementing a strategic policy to facilitate a gradual but sustained transition to renewable energy.

This includes the all-in-one solar-powered streetlights project, with nearly 200 kilometres of solar streetlights installed to date. Furthermore, all new government buildings, health facilities, and education institutions are now being equipped with solar power.

The administration has also prioritized flood and erosion control by rehabilitating gullies and restoring lands and communities threatened by these issues.

The impact of these interventions, according to Governor Inuwa Yahaya, has been significant.

He said that “Degraded lands across the state have been restored, effectively combating desertification, erosion, and soil nutrient decline. Biodiversity has been revived by reintroducing various indigenous tree species, with a particular focus on those facing extinction.”

Additionally, livelihoods have improved, and sustainable development has been promoted through the planting of exotic fruit-bearing trees that benefit local communities.

Adaptation to climate change has also been enhanced by planting fast-growing tree varieties.

Furthermore, societal awareness and understanding of human-induced ecological problems and their solutions have increased, along with the adoption of renewable energy technologies”.

Earlier, the President /Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Society for Planet and Prosperity, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, explained that the project follows the successful mapping of climate impacts, policies, and action plans at the subnational level.

This evaluation, completed in collaboration with the department of climate change and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), aims to enhance climate leadership at the state level by using standard metrics and rating criteria.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, Senator Seriake Dickson, has described the Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking (CGPRR) of Nigeria’s 36 states project as a timely and innovative intervention.

Dickson spoke in Abuja shortly after receiving the report of the project which was launched by the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) in close collaboration with the Department of Climate Change (DCC), Federal Ministry of Environment.

Senator Dickson in his endorsement remark said: “This project will encourage increased climate action at the subnational level with resounding effect on national climate actions that will help Nigeria accelerate its commitment into achieving global climate change goals.”

The former Bayelsa State Governor stated further: “We have just concluded a two-day retreat of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Ecology and Climate Change which took place from July 25 to 26, 2024, in Abuja where we discussed how further stakeholders’ collaboration can help advance climate action in the country.

“This Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking report will now serve as a tool for further engagements as the Joint Committee embarks on its proposed engagements with the subnational and private sector and consequently spur more actions in the areas where gaps exist in specific states,” he said.

“I have reliably gathered that this report is the first-ever Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking of Nigeria’s 36 states, I am delighted to endorse it as a resource and tool for the advancement of climate change actions at the subnational level especially the local governments and senatorial districts where the most vulnerable communities experiencing the direct impacts of climate change are domiciled.”

Senator Dickson commended SPP, led by foremost Professor of Environment, Global Climate Governance & Public Policy, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, and the entire Ministry, for embarking on such an outstanding and unique work which will now be the evidence-base for aggregated and improved subnational climate actions.

The Subnational Climate Change Governance Performance Ranking project evaluated the extent of climate change governance and performance in Nigeria’s 36 states using five key ranking criteria namely: climate institutions and governance; climate policy and action plan; climate budget and finance; climate change projects implementation and monitoring; and climate online visibility.

After months of rigorous reviews and scrutiny, Lagos State emerged the overall best state, with Gombe and Ebonyi occupying the second and third positions respectively. The winners were announced at a high-level event chaired by the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, on Thursday, July 26, 2024.

By Nnaemeka Oruh (Senior Policy Analyst, SPP) and Gboyega Olorunfemi (Project Lead, SPP)

Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, has said that climate governance at the sub-national level is essential for several reasons.

Lawal said this in Abuja on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the Sub-National Climate Governance Performance Ranking and report of the 36 states of Nigeria.

“This event marks a pivotal moment in our collective efforts to addressing the impacts of climate change which has become a challenge that transcends borders and requires concerted effort of government at all levels.

“This ranking not only serves as an acknowledgment of their achievements but also as a beacon of encouragement for others to emulate.

“We will highlight the pivotal role that sub-national entities play in driving sustainable environmental practices,” Lawal said.

The report is a collaborative effort of the Society for Planet and Prosperity, the Department of Climate Change of the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the Nigeria Governor’s Forum.

“It provided us with an understanding of the status of climate challenges and opportunities within the sub-national level to mitigate the challenges.

“It also gave an insight on the impacts of climate change, the policies enacted to mitigate these impacts and actions taken across various sectors,” the minister said.

Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, Chairman, Board of Trustee, Society for Planet and Prosperity, said that climate governance is essential to tackle climate change.

Okereke said that climate change is not only environmental but also an economic problem and urged stakeholders to tackle it at the state and sub-national levels.

An important highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to some states according to their performances.

Lagos, Gombe, and Ebonyi came first, second and third respectively while Borno and Ekiti were both in fourth position.

By Abigael Joshua