Katsina State has emerged second overall in Nigeria’s 2025 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ranking, a recognition the state government describes as proof that its Green Growth Agenda is driving real reform and sustainable impact.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda said the ranking underscored his administration’s “proactive approach to governance, innovation, and environmental responsibility.”
“This recognition is a testament to our administration’s commitment to sustainable growth and data-driven governance. It shows how research-backed policy can deliver real transformation in public service,” Governor Radda stated.
The Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating, developed by Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke and the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), was launched in Abuja on October 14, 2025, by the Federal Ministry of Environment in partnership with the UK FCDO’s Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), the African Climate Foundation, and other partners.
The rating evaluates all 36 Nigerian states across five governance pillars — institutional structure, policy framework, budgeting, implementation, and public engagement.
Katsina’s rise by 23 places from the previous year marks one of the most significant improvements nationwide, driven by reforms in institutional capacity, budgeting transparency, and policy innovation.
According to the governor’s Special Adviser on Climate Change, Prof. Mohammed Al-Amin, the recognition validates the state’s reforms and demonstrates that its climate governance policies are “producing measurable, people-centred results.”
“Coming in second among all Nigerian states is a clear signal that our reforms are working,” he said.
“We are not only formulating climate policies — we’re implementing them transparently so they improve lives on the ground.”
Key progress areas include:
Institutional Strengthening: Creation of climate governance desks across ministries and local government coordination units.
Policy Uptake: Implementation of the Katsina State Climate Resilience and Green Economy Policy (2024).
Budgetary Reform: A 30% increase in climate-related spending in 2025.
Transparency and Engagement: Launch of Katsina Climate Watch, a digital platform for public monitoring of climate projects.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas, commended the top-performing states and urged others to adopt the climate governance framework as “a roadmap for reform and learning.”
The 2025 ranking highlights how research-based assessment can strengthen subnational governance, enhance policy implementation, and accelerate Nigeria’s transition toward a sustainable and inclusive green economy.
