Oyo State has recorded a significant leap in Nigeria’s Sub national Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking, moving from 34th position in 2024 to 7th position in 2025, 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 programmes 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 His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for providing the enabling environment and political will that have propelled Oyo State to national recognition in climate governance.
According to him, Oyo State’s improved performance is a result of deliberate actions taken by the Ministry under the present administration, including: State participation and contribution on Awareness and sensitization campaigns on climate change and environmental sustainability; Preparation of key technical documents, notably the Oyo State Climate Change Action Plan (2025-2030) and Oyo state Climate Change Acts; Active participation in both national and international climate programmes, including COP29 and SB62; and Collaboration with MDAs and development partners to mainstream climate adaptation and mitigation measures into policy implementation.
Ashamu disclosed further that the Governor has approved the participation of Oyo State at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), scheduled to hold in Brazil, as part of the State’s continuous engagement with global climate platforms to attract green investments and promote sustainable development.
He noted that this recognition provides strong motivation for all stakeholders – 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 following priority initiatives: Launching 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.
Barrister Ashamu therefore dedicated the achievement to the good people of Oyo State and to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for his unwavering commitment to sustainable environmental management and climate resilience.
“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 Honourable Commissioner stated.
Oyo State remains committed to pursuing renewable energy transition, circular economy initiatives and climate-resilient infrastructure, ensuring a greener, safer and more sustainable future for present and future generations.