Oyo State has recorded a historic leap in climate and environmental governance, climbing from the 34th position in 2024 to 7th in the newly released Sub-National Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking (SCGPRR) 2025.
The report, produced by the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, assesses all 36 Nigerian states based on their efforts toward climate governance, environmental sustainability, and clean energy initiatives.
This remarkable progress reflects the visionary leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, who has prioritized sustainable development and environmental protection as integral parts of his administration’s agenda. Championed by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barr. Temilolu ‘Seun Ashamu with commitment to promoting climate governance, clean energy transition and climate-friendly projects, the leap from 34th to 7th position demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to building a more sustainable Oyo State.
Speaking on the feat, the Director for Pollution Monitoring and Quality Control, Mrs. Funmilayo E. Adesina said “when we made our submissions the Honourable Commissioner insisted we submitted statewide projects and programmes, not just those of the Ministry of Environment; these included the State’s gas masterplan, over 15MW of solar deployments (public and private) and a number of other projects. We were also able to showcase the redrafted policy on Climate Action Plan and His Excellency’s recent approval for a State Climate Action Council”.
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These measures have ensured that Oyo’s climate initiatives remain inclusive and impact-driven.
The SCGPRR evaluated all Nigerian states based on five major indicators: Climate Institution and Governance, Climate Policy and Action Plan, Climate Project Implementation and Monitoring, Climate Budget and Finance, and Climate Online Visibility. Oyo State’s strong performance across these indicators earned it a “High Performance” rating, placing it among the top seven states in Nigeria alongside Lagos, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Enugu and Osun.
Addressing journalists shortly after the official announcement, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barr. Temilolu ‘Seun Ashamu, said Oyo State’s impressive performance was the result of deliberate innovation, coordination, and commitment under the leadership of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner told newsmen that while the submission captured landmark interventions, a key indicator were the positions taken by Oyo at the recent United Nations SB.62 conference, likewise the various trainings and programmes undertaken with UNICEF in the last few months.
“All of these initiatives reflect our government’s dedication to innovation and sustainability,” he said. “They are the cumulative efforts that helped Oyo State move from 34th to 7th position within a short period of time. This did not happen by chance, it is the product of planning, teamwork, and visionary leadership—we are focussing on adaptation and resilience in the State.”
Barr. Ashamu also commended His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for providing the platform and support that made these achievements possible.
“All credit goes to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, who gave us the opportunity and environment to implement innovative ideas. His leadership continues to inspire our drive toward a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Oyo State,” he added.
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With this milestone, Oyo State has further established itself as a model for subnational climate governance in Nigeria, proving that strong leadership, institutional synergy, and sustainable planning can deliver measurable progress in environmental development.
Oyo State continues to move closer to realising the vision of a cleaner, greener and resilient future for residents.
