Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, has said that climate governance at the sub-national level is essential for several reasons.
Lawal said this in Abuja on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the Sub-National Climate Governance Performance Ranking and report of the 36 states of Nigeria.
“This event marks a pivotal moment in our collective efforts to addressing the impacts of climate change which has become a challenge that transcends borders and requires concerted effort of government at all levels.
“This ranking not only serves as an acknowledgment of their achievements but also as a beacon of encouragement for others to emulate.
“We will highlight the pivotal role that sub-national entities play in driving sustainable environmental practices,” Lawal said.
The report is a collaborative effort of the Society for Planet and Prosperity, the Department of Climate Change of the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the Nigeria Governor’s Forum.
“It provided us with an understanding of the status of climate challenges and opportunities within the sub-national level to mitigate the challenges.
“It also gave an insight on the impacts of climate change, the policies enacted to mitigate these impacts and actions taken across various sectors,” the minister said.
Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, Chairman, Board of Trustee, Society for Planet and Prosperity, said that climate governance is essential to tackle climate change.
Okereke said that climate change is not only environmental but also an economic problem and urged stakeholders to tackle it at the state and sub-national levels.
An important highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to some states according to their performances.
Lagos, Gombe, and Ebonyi came first, second and third respectively while Borno and Ekiti were both in fourth position.
By Abigael Joshua
