By Atoyebi Nike
The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) has inaugurated a Review Panel of experts to refine the methodology and scoring matrix for the second edition of the Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking of Nigeria’s 36 states.
The panel was tasked with strengthening the transparency, objectivity, and relevance of the assessment tool, which evaluates subnational climate governance.
Welcoming members during the virtual session, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, lead convener and climate policy expert, said the ranking aims to highlight and motivate climate action across states. He emphasised that in contexts where climate legislation is weak, tools like performance ratings can promote accountability.
“While no one tool is sufficient, subnational ranking has gained credibility and helped stimulate progress. Your expertise is vital to ensure this process remains impactful,” Okereke said.
Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change at the Federal Ministry of Environment, reaffirmed the ministry’s support and urged more stakeholder participation to empower state-level climate action.
Other panellists, including Dr. Priscilla Achakpa, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, Mrs. Halima Bawa, and Dr. Eugene Itua, commended the initiative, stressing the need to track governance frameworks, promote nature-based solutions like reforestation, and measure impacts to improve policy effectiveness.
The panel’s recommendations will inform the updated framework for the upcoming ranking, building on the success of the inaugural edition to foster deeper climate ambition and implementation.
Expert Panel Members Include:
- Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, WASCAL Board Chair
- Prof. Olukayode Oladipo, UNILAG Adjunct Professor
- Prof. Daniel Gwary, University of Maiduguri
- Dr. Eugene Itua, CEO, Natural Ecocapital
- Mrs. Halima Bawa, Director, National Council on Climate Change Secretariat
- Dr. Priscilla Achakpa, Global President, Women Environment Programme
- Mr. Olumide Idowu, Executive Director, ICCDI
- Mr. Amara Nwankpa, DG (Acting), Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation
- Mr. Eghose Omoigui
- Ms. Gbemisola Akosa, Executive Director, Centre for 21st Century Issues
The review process is expected to culminate in a more robust and credible ranking framework to encourage stronger climate governance at the subnational level.
