By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government has commenced data collection for the third edition of the Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ranking (SCGPRR 3.0), aimed at strengthening accountability and measurable climate action across Nigeria’s states.
The exercise, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Environment through its Department of Climate Change in partnership with the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), marks a significant step in tracking subnational climate governance performance nationwide.
According to a statement issued on Monday, the launch follows a comprehensive review of the enhanced methodology by the Quality Expert Review Team on May 19, as well as a capacity-building training for State Climate Change Desk Officers and Directors held on May 21.
The statement noted that the questionnaire for the ranking was released on May 26, with submissions expected to close on July 7.
Speaking at the launch, the Director of the Department of Climate Change, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, described the ranking as one of the ministry’s flagship initiatives, emphasizing its role in ensuring that climate action remains measurable, transparent, and impactful.
She explained that the ranking provides a credible framework for assessing how states are performing in climate governance, particularly as Nigeria intensifies efforts to meet its climate targets.
Also speaking, President of SPP, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, commended state officials and members of the Quality Expert Review Team for their dedication to the process.
Okereke disclosed that states that submit their questionnaires ahead of the deadline would receive special recognition, highlighting the importance of institutional readiness.
He, however, stressed that the priority of the exercise remains the collection of high-quality, reliable, and accurate data to support informed decision-making and stronger climate action.
According to him, the SCGPRR was established to bridge accountability gaps through a systematic and evidence-based framework for evaluating subnational climate governance.
The statement further revealed that outcomes from previous editions had prompted several states to develop climate policies, implement action plans, and begin domesticating the National Climate Change Act.
It added that civil society organisations and journalists have increasingly relied on the ranking to support advocacy and evidence-based reporting on climate issues.
The ministry noted that the SCGPRR has evolved beyond a measurement tool into a broader accountability mechanism that promotes capacity building, peer learning, and technical support among states.
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It added that the third edition would place greater emphasis on implementation, institutional strengthening, capacity development, and evidence-based climate action.
The Federal Ministry of Environment expressed confidence that the improved methodology introduced in SCGPRR 3.0 would enhance the robustness and policy relevance of the ranking, ultimately accelerating effective climate action across Nigeria.
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