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

ABUJA — Abia State has risen from 28th position to 2nd position nationally in climate governance, in the 2026 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking, SCGPRR 3.0.

The ranking was unveiled on Wednesday, 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, covering all 36 states of Federation.

SCGPRR provides a comparative assessment of how states are building and implementing systems for effective climate action.

Key areas assessed include institutional arrangements and governance structures, climate policies and action plans, climate-related budgeting and financing, implementation and monitoring of climate projects, and public transparency and visibility of climate actions, with emphasis on documented evidence and verification.

According to the ranking, top five performing states are Katsina State – 1st, Abia State – 2nd, Kano State – 3rd, Lagos State – 4th, and Kwara State – 5th.

Abia’s second-place position represents significant leap and places the state among Nigeria’s leading subnational governments in climate governance.

The feat reflects a growing institutionalisation of climate action in Abia, including strengthened governance structures, policy development, climate planning, budgeting, project implementation and stakeholder engagement.

It is also recognition of commitment of Abia State Government under leadership of Governor Alex Otti to building resilient, environmentally sustainable and climate-responsive state.

Organisers described the initiative as a mechanism for strengthening transparency, accountability and climate action at subnational level and providing a benchmark for measuring progress while encouraging peer learning.

Abia State Government commended SPP, Department of Climate Change and partners for providing evidence-based platforms that encourage states to strengthen climate governance systems, saying the state remains committed to moving from recognition to stronger action and measurable results.