Nigeria's 36 States Race to Lead on Climate Action

Nigeria just discovered a surprisingly effective way to tackle climate change: make it a competition that everyone can win.

For years, climate action in Nigeria meant federal pledges and international conferences far removed from the communities facing floods, desertification, and heat waves. Now, the Society for Planet and Prosperity has flipped the script with a simple idea that's working better than anyone expected.

The organization ranks all 36 Nigerian states on how well they're actually fighting climate change. They measure everything from written policies to real projects like flood control systems, tree planting programs, and renewable energy installations.

Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, who leads the initiative, says the goal isn't to shame anyone. "States are on the frontline of climate vulnerability," he explained at a recent workshop in Abuja. "Without strong state action, Nigeria cannot build meaningful resilience."

When the first ranking launched two years ago, skeptics worried it would create political tension. Instead, something remarkable happened.

Nearly every state improved between the first and second rankings. States that barely had climate policies now have dedicated agencies, action plans, and boots-on-the-ground projects. Many states surprised observers with ambitious initiatives nobody knew existed.

The ranking examines five key areas: climate policies and action plans, dedicated institutions and staff, concrete implementation projects, transparency in sharing information, and ability to attract climate funding. That last point matters most because good intentions need real money behind them.

The Ripple Effect

The competition has sparked unexpected collaboration. State environment commissioners now meet regularly to share strategies and learn from each other's successes. Jigawa State's Environment Commissioner Nura Ibrahim says these peer networks are producing targeted training programs and stronger interstate partnerships.

"With better understanding of the methodology and engagement among commissioners, future rankings will be smoother and more impactful," Ibrahim noted. Early concerns about unfair comparisons have dissolved through dialogue and transparency.

The initiative has caught international attention too. Development partners including the African Climate Foundation and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office are now supporting the program, helping unlock climate finance and strengthen government accountability.

Professor Okereke acknowledges challenges remain. Many states want to act but face tight budgets, limited expertise, and weak institutions. That's why the program is expanding beyond rankings into hands-on training and technical support to help states turn policies into reality.

The framework keeps evolving based on state feedback. "If something needs adjustment, we do it together," Okereke said. "This is a co-created process."

What started as a simple scorecard is becoming a nationwide movement, proving that a little healthy competition can drive real change where it matters most.