Subnational Climate Governance Ranking: Lagos Leads the Pack in 2025

By: Abudu Olalekan

Meta Description: In the 2025 Subnational Climate Governance Ranking, Lagos State clinches first place again, sparking healthy competition among Nigerian states. Explore how this initiative drives local climate action and what it means for Nigeria’s green future. (152 characters)
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Imagine this. You’re in Lagos, dodging floods after a heavy rain. Streets turn into rivers. Traffic grinds to a halt. That’s the daily grind for millions here. But hey, amid the chaos, there’s some good news. Lagos just snagged the top spot—again—in the 2025 Subnational Climate Governance Ranking. It’s like a pat on the back for trying to tame the wild weather beast.

The announcement dropped on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, right in Abuja. Picture the room buzzing with officials, experts, all clapping as the results rolled out. Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, took the mic. “Lagos pulled 315 points,” he said, voice steady. “Katsina’s close behind at 310. Kaduna? 305 for third.” Solid numbers. They show who’s stepping up on climate stuff.

This whole thing? It’s a brainchild of the Department of Climate Change under the Federal Ministry of Environment, teaming up with the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP). Started last year, the ranking pokes at states across five big areas. You know, like setting up climate offices, crafting policies and laws, throwing money at green projects, actually getting those projects done and tracked, plus shouting about it online. It’s not just scores. It’s a nudge. A way to light a fire under laggards.

Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, SPP’s president, broke it down casual-like during the launch. “These five pillars? They’re the backbone of real climate work,” he explained. “Dig into a state’s efforts here, and boom—you’ve got a roadmap. States see where they’re weak, fix it. Simple as that.” His words hung in the air. Made sense. No fluff.

Barrister Tenioye Majekodunmi, Director General of the National Council on Climate Change, lit up next. “This ranking? It’s a milestone,” she declared. “Shows political will bubbling up from the states. We’re the big boss body, turning national dreams into local wins. Your scores? They’re the fuel.” She paused, eyes scanning the crowd. Essential stuff, really.

Even international voices chimed in. Samantha Harrison, First Secretary for Climate Diplomacy at the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, nailed it. “Subnationals are the heart pumping climate action,” she said. “Without you, policies are just dusty papers. Local governance isn’t nice-to-have. It’s must-have.” Spot on. Her tone? Warm, urgent. Like chatting over tea about the end of the world.

This year’s shake-up? Kano and Enugu crashed the top five. Last year, they were mid-pack. Now? Leaping ahead. That healthy rivalry’s kicking in. Since 2024, states are buzzing—sharing tips, pushing harder. Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, Kano’s Environment Commissioner, couldn’t hide the grin. “We love this platform,” he told Reportersroom. “Spotlights our wins, sparks team-ups. Competition’s good. Exchanges knowledge. And man, climate hits hardest at home—solutions too.”

Lagos’s rep, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab—via his Special Adviser Olakunle Olamidosu Rotimi-Akodu—kept it real. “Topping this? Fuels our fire for resilience, green jobs, weaving climate into everything,” he said. “It’s not just rivalry. It’s collab time. Lagos leads, sure. But we want sustainable lives for our people. Better quality, you know?” Proud. Determined. That’s the vibe.

Donors are all in too. Professor Anthony Nyong from the African Development Bank’s Climate Change and Green Growth desk called it innovative. “Strengthens local governance, holds folks accountable,” he noted. “Sparks green growth across Africa. Evidence-based. Aligns investments. Speeds our fair transition.” Big picture thinking. Nigeria’s states? They’re the frontline warriors against climate mess. Floods, droughts, heat—it’s all local pain.

Reflections from stakeholders? Impactful. States admit it’s changed the game. Pushed budgets higher. Projects rolling. Online chatter up. The ranking’s no joke. It motivates. Guides. Without subnationals, national efforts flop. They’re key. Critical.

But wait. Not all smooth. Some states lag—maybe skimpy budgets or weak monitoring. The report hints at that. Room to grow. And with global eyes on Nigeria’s pledges, this ranking amps the pressure. Positive pressure, though.

As the event wrapped, optimism lingered. Lagos on top. Others climbing. It’s a start. A story unfolding. One where states don’t just talk climate—they act. Floods might still come. But now, there’s a scorecard. And a push. For greener tomorrows.