Lagos State has once again emerged as Nigeria’s top performer in climate governance, retaining the number one spot in the 2025 Sub-National Climate Governance Rating and Ranking. This marks the second consecutive year that the state has led the nation in climate action and environmental sustainability efforts.

The ranking was officially announced during the public presentation of the 2025 report held in Abuja on Tuesday. The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, revealed that Lagos secured 315 points out of a possible 360, while Katsina and Kaduna States followed closely with 310 and 305 points, respectively, emerging as first and second runners-up.

Speaking at the event, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on the Environment, said the recognition reflects Lagos’s strong commitment to sustainable and inclusive climate governance. He noted that Lagos’s efforts are driven by the urgent need to protect the state’s future, given its large population and coastal vulnerability.

“For us in Lagos, this is about survival, not just recognition. But we truly appreciate this acknowledgment of our consistent work toward a sustainable environment,” Rotimi-Akodu said.

The Sub-National Climate Governance Rating and Ranking is an annual report aimed at encouraging state-level climate accountability in Nigeria. It evaluates states based on five major areas — institutional frameworks, policy and legal structures, climate action plans, and budgetary commitments toward environmental projects. The initiative seeks to promote transparency and inspire more states to strengthen their climate resilience and sustainability agendas.