ABUJA — Katsina State has emerged as the best-performing state in Nigeria in the 2026 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking (SCGPRR 3.0).
The ranking, which assesses all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, was conducted by the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment.
The third edition of the benchmarking exercise was presented on Thursday, October 8, 2026, in Abuja. It evaluated states on climate governance systems, policy implementation, institutional arrangements, climate financing, project delivery, monitoring, transparency and visibility of climate action.
According to the organisers, Katsina secured the top position for its progress across policy, institutional coordination, financing, project delivery and transparency.
The State’s performance was attributed to its integration of climate action into development planning through the Katsina Green Growth Agenda (KAGGA) and the Katsina State Climate Change Policy and Plan of Action 2025–2030.
The framework covers climate action in agriculture, water, energy, infrastructure, environment and human development, and is designed to position the state to attract climate finance and green investment.
Key interventions cited include land restoration, afforestation under the Katsina One Tree Initiative (KT1T), climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, water resilience, urban greenery, ecosystem restoration and green infrastructure.
The interventions are targeted at desertification, land degradation, drought, flooding and water stress, while creating opportunities in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, job creation, carbon markets and the green economy.
The assessment also noted improvements in institutional coordination, technical capacity, stakeholder engagement and climate planning, which have strengthened the state’s ability to develop bankable projects and mobilise climate-related investment.
Receiving the award, the Acting Commissioner of the Ministry of Environment and Special Adviser on Climate Change, Professor Mohammed A. Al-Amin, said the recognition shows that vulnerability can be turned into opportunity.
“Katsina’s emergence as the leading state is evidence that vulnerability to climate change does not have to define a state’s development trajectory. With the right vision, institutions, commitment and evidence-based implementation, environmental challenges can be transformed into opportunities for resilience, investment and sustainable development,” Prof. Al-Amin said.
He added that the recognition brings greater responsibility to sustain momentum through stronger climate data and monitoring, increased mobilisation of climate finance, greater private-sector participation and improved transparency.
He commended the Ministry of Environment, the Climate Change Secretariat, other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and development partners for advancing climate governance in the state.
Katsina’s climate action has also been recognised by organisations including Nature Trust International and the Alliance for Renewable Energy in West Africa (AREWA).
The presentation ceremony was attended by the Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Lawal; the Senior Special Assistant to the Katsina State Governor on Climate Change, Suleiman Sa’ad Ribadu; government officials, climate experts, development partners and other stakeholders.
