In a nation where the impacts of climate change are increasingly impossible to ignore, one state has risen above the rest to become a leader in the fight against this global crisis.
Lagos State, Nigeria’s bustling commercial hub, has emerged as the top performer in the recently concluded Climate Governance Performance Ranking of the country’s 36 states, scoring an impressive 182 points.
No small feat…
This achievement is no small feat. Climate change action, after all, is not for the faint-hearted. It requires dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability—qualities that Lagos has demonstrated in abundance. The state’s leading position was unveiled during the launch of the climate governance report in Abuja, an event organized by the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change (DCC) under the Federal Ministry of Environment.
The report, while acknowledging that much work remains to be done across Nigeria, celebrates Lagos for taking a significant leap forward in climate governance and action. The 2024 Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking (CGPRR) of Nigeria’s states were jointly announced by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, Minister of State for Environment, Iziak Salako, and the President of the Society for Planet and Prosperity, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke.
Lagos stood out as the only state rated as “outstanding” among Nigeria’s 36 states, reflecting its exceptional performance across five key criteria: Climate Institutions and Governance, Climate Policy and Action Plan, Climate Implementation of Projects, and Online Visibility. This recognition is a testament to Lagos’ comprehensive and strategic approach to tackling climate change.
Interestingly, Lagos was just one point shy of Gombe State in the overall score for institutional arrangement and administrative structure, proving that even the best performers have room to improve. However, the state shared the top position with five other states in the category of climate change policy and action plans. In the current, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s policies set ambitious emission reduction targets that align with national efforts and global climate commitments, amplifying Lagos’ dedication to leading by example.
Where Lagos truly shone was in the implementation of climate change projects. The state was lauded for its robust system for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting (MER) on climate impacts and actions, setting a standard that other states will undoubtedly strive to match.
Lagos’ success is a beacon of hope for the rest of Nigeria, demonstrating that with the right leadership and commitment, effective climate governance is not only possible but can thrive even in challenging environments.
