Abia Leaps From 28th To 2nd Position In National Climate Governance Ranking

Abia State has recorded a major leap in climate governance, rising from 28th position to 2nd best in Nigeria in the 2026 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking.

The latest ranking, SCGPRR 3.0, was unveiled on Thursday, October 8, 2026, in Abuja by the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment. The assessment covered all 36 states of the federation.

The SCGPRR provides a comparative assessment of how states are building and implementing systems for effective climate action. States were assessed on institutional arrangements and governance structures, climate policies and action plans, budgeting and financing for climate, implementation and monitoring of climate projects, as well as public transparency and visibility of climate actions.

In the 2026 ranking, the top five performing states are:

1. Katsina State
2. Abia State
3. Kano State
4. Lagos State
5. Kwara State

Abia’s rise to second position places it among Nigeria’s leading subnational governments in climate governance and marks a significant improvement from its previous 28th position.

The feat reflects the growing institutionalisation of climate action in the state, including strengthened governance structures, policy development, climate planning, budgeting, project implementation and stakeholder engagement under the administration of Governor Alex Otti.

The organisers said the ranking is designed to strengthen transparency, accountability and climate action at the subnational level, while serving as a benchmark for measuring progress and encouraging peer learning among states.

The Abia State Government commended SPP, the Department of Climate Change and other partners for providing an evidence-based platform that challenges states to improve their climate governance systems, adding that the state remains committed to translating the recognition into stronger climate action and measurable results for its people.