FENRAD applauds Otti, Environment Commissioner, as Abia ranks second in climate governance

Nkem Ukaegbu

Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) Nigeria has congratulated the Abia State Government on its emergence as the second-best performing state in the 2026 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking (SCGPRR 3.0).

The organisation also commended Governor Alex Chioma Otti and the state’s Commissioner for Environment for their contributions to strengthening climate governance, following Abia’s significant rise from 28th position in the previous ranking.

In a statement issued in Aba and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD described the achievement as a remarkable improvement and an indication of progress in institutionalising climate governance in the state.

The ranking was unveiled in Abuja by the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change of the Federal Ministry of Environment.

According to FENRAD, the assessment covers critical aspects of climate governance, including institutional arrangements, climate policies and action plans, climate-related budgeting and financing, project implementation and monitoring, as well as transparency and visibility of climate actions.

The organisation said Abia’s advancement from 28th to second position demonstrated the importance of deliberate investment in climate governance structures, policy development, planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and stakeholder engagement.

It added that the recognition reflected efforts towards building a more resilient, environmentally sustainable and climate-responsive state.

However, FENRAD cautioned that the ranking should not be treated merely as an award or public relations milestone, but as a governance benchmark and accountability instrument.

“The second-place ranking therefore presents an opportunity for Abia State to move from recognition to deeper and more measurable climate action,” the organisation stated.

## FENRAD Seeks Tangible Environmental Results

The environmental advocacy group stressed that the true measure of effective climate governance was whether policies and investments translated into improved living conditions for residents and communities.

It urged the state government to prioritise flood resilience, erosion control, sustainable waste management, environmental protection, renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, ecosystem restoration and disaster preparedness.

FENRAD also called for particular attention to vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, farmers, low-income households and communities disproportionately exposed to flooding, erosion, pollution and other climate-related risks.

The organisation recommended stronger implementation of climate policies and action plans through clear targets, timelines and measurable indicators.

It further urged the government to deepen climate-responsive budgeting, ensure that allocations translate into identifiable projects, and improve public disclosure of climate-related budgets, financing and implementation outcomes.

Other recommendations included strengthening civil society and community participation in climate policy development and monitoring, expanding climate education among young people and school communities, promoting renewable energy, and improving flood preparedness and early-warning systems.

FENRAD also advocated stronger ecosystem protection, nature-based solutions and monitoring and accountability mechanisms for climate programmes and investments.

## Commissioner for Environment Commended

FENRAD specifically commended the Commissioner for Environment and officials of the ministry for their role in advancing the state’s climate governance agenda.

It urged the commissioner to sustain the momentum and strengthen collaboration with civil society organisations, local communities, development partners, academic institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders.

According to the organisation, such partnerships would help ensure that climate governance remains participatory, transparent and responsive to the environmental challenges confronting residents.

FENRAD maintained that Abia’s second-place ranking offered the state an opportunity to demonstrate how effective climate governance could support sustainable development across Nigeria.

It urged the government to work towards attaining the first position in subsequent assessments while ensuring that the benefits of climate policies and investments reached communities across the state.

The organisation reiterated its readiness to collaborate with the Abia State Government, the Ministry of Environment, civil society groups, development partners and other stakeholders to advance climate resilience, environmental justice and accountability.

FENRAD congratulated Governor Otti, the Commissioner for Environment, the ministry and the people of Abia State on the achievement, while emphasising the need to sustain and deepen the progress.

It said the next challenge was to translate the state’s improved ranking into measurable environmental and climate benefits for every citizen.