Oyo State has been ranked in 7th position in 2025 by Nigeria’s Sub-national Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking, up from its 34th position in 2024, marking one of the most impressive improvements among the 36 states of the Federation.
The ranking announced during the public presentation of the 2025 report in Abuja was conducted by the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) and supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The national assessment evaluates states based on five key thematic areas: climate institutional arrangements, policy and legal frameworks, budgetary allocation, implementation of programs, and public communication on climate issues.
Speaking on the development, Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barrister Seun Ashamu, commended the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde for providing the enabling environment and political will that have propelled Oyo State to national recognition in climate governance.
Ashamu stated that the improved performance resulted from deliberate actions taken by the Ministry under the current administration.
He highlighted these to include the state’s participation and contribution to awareness and sensitisation campaigns on climate change and environmental sustainability, as well as the preparation of the Oyo State Climate Change Action Plan (2025-2030) and the Oyo State Climate Change Act, among others.
The commissioner also notes the state’s active participation in national and international climate programmes, including COP29 and SB62, as well as collaboration with MDAs and development partners to mainstream climate adaptation and mitigation measures into policy implementation.
Ashamu disclosed further that Governor Makinde had approved Oyo State’s participation in the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), scheduled to take place in Brazil, as part of the State’s ongoing engagement with global climate platforms to attract green investments and promote sustainable development.
He noted that this recognition provides strong motivation for all stakeholders, including ministries, local governments, the private sector and civil society, to strengthen climate action and environmental compliance across the State.
The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Oyo State’s leadership in climate governance through the launch of the State Council on Climate Change, creation of a Climate Change Platform under the ministry’s official website to enhance public communication, development of the Oyo State Climate Change Policy and implementation of the Climate Change Action Plan (2025-2030) in line with national climate targets and the Paris Agreement.
“This milestone is not just a recognition of progress, but a call to intensify our efforts in building a climate-smart Oyo State. With the Governor’s leadership and the support of our development partners, we are confident that Oyo will continue to rise in climate governance performance,” the Commissioner stated.
