Oyo rises to 7th in Nigeria’s climate governance ranking

Oyo State has made a remarkable leap in Nigeria’s Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating, moving from 34th position in 2024 to 7th in 2025. This marks one of the most significant improvements among the country’s 36 states.

The ranking, unveiled during the public presentation of the 2025 report in Abuja, was conducted by the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The assessment evaluates states across five key areas: climate institutional arrangements, policy and legal frameworks, budgetary allocation, implementation of programmes, and public communication on climate issues.

Speaking on the development, Seun Ashamu, Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, praised Governor Seyi Makinde for providing the political will and enabling environment that have propelled Oyo State to national recognition in climate governance.

Ashamu attributed the state’s improved performance to deliberate actions under the current administration, including public awareness campaigns on climate change and sustainability, preparation of critical technical documents such as the Oyo State Climate Change Action Plan (2025–2030) and Climate Change Acts, active participation in national and international climate initiatives including COP29 and SB62, and collaboration with ministries, departments, agencies, and development partners to integrate climate adaptation and mitigation measures into policies.

He also confirmed that Oyo State will participate in the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil, continuing its engagement on global climate platforms to attract green investments and promote sustainable development.

Highlighting the significance of the recognition, Ashamu said it serves as motivation for all stakeholders—including ministries, local governments, the private sector, and civil society—to strengthen climate action and environmental compliance across the state.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to maintaining Oyo State’s leadership in climate governance through several priority initiatives: launching a State Council on Climate Change, creating a Climate Change Platform on the Ministry’s website to enhance public engagement, developing a dedicated Climate Change Policy, and implementing the Climate Change Action Plan (2025–2030) in line with national targets and the Paris Agreement.

Ashamu dedicated the achievement to the people of Oyo State and Governor Makinde, emphasizing that the milestone is both a recognition of progress and a call to intensify efforts to build a climate-smart state.

“Oyo State remains committed to renewable energy transition, circular economy initiatives, and climate-resilient infrastructure, ensuring a greener, safer, and more sustainable future for present and future generations,” the Commissioner concluded.