Nigeria's Federal Government Warns States of Immediate Climate Change Threats

The Minister of Environment highlights the escalating impacts of climate change on the nation's economy, food security, and infrastructure, urging state-level action.

Flat illustration of Cracked earth, Rising water, Withered crops, Sand dunes

2026-10-09 · Updated 2026-10-09

The Nigerian federal government has issued a stark warning to state governments, emphasizing that climate change is an immediate and pressing threat to the nation's economy, food security, infrastructure, livelihoods, and communities. Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, stated that the increasing frequency of extreme weather events like flooding and heatwaves, alongside drought and desertification, are clear indicators of the worsening climate crisis.

Lawal stressed that addressing this challenge requires action at all levels, from federal to local communities, with state governors playing a crucial role in integrating climate considerations into development plans, budgets, and investment decisions. He noted that the effects are already being felt across agriculture, water resources, food systems, and human settlements, with environmental degradation exacerbating community vulnerability.

The Minister launched the third edition of the Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ratings and Ranking, an initiative designed to measure and improve states' capacity to respond to climate change. This assessment evaluates the functionality of climate governance structures, the integration of climate priorities into state plans, resource mobilization, and the implementation of climate projects.

While acknowledging progress in state-level climate governance, Lawal urged governors to establish clear links between policy, budgets, and measurable results. He also mentioned that the international Loss and Damage Fund has accumulated approximately $800 million, though this amount falls short of developing countries' demands. Nigeria's commitment to subnational climate action is seen as vital for accessing international climate finance, particularly ahead of COP31 negotiations.

The initiative aims to foster constructive learning and accountability among states, encouraging high-performing states to share their experiences and motivating lagging states to improve. The ultimate goal is to build a more resilient, low-carbon, and sustainable Nigeria, ensuring no state or community is left behind in the climate response.

FAQ

What are the immediate threats posed by climate change in Nigeria?: Climate change poses immediate threats to Nigeria's economy, food security, infrastructure, livelihoods, and communities through increased flooding, extreme heat, drought, and desertification.
What is the purpose of the Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ratings and Ranking?: The ranking serves as an accountability and management tool to measure and improve the capacity of Nigerian states to respond to climate change by assessing their governance structures, planning, and project implementation.