Stakeholders Say Climate Governance Ranking Drives Reform Across Nigeria’s 36 States

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria’s push to confront climate change is gaining new momentum at the subnational level, as a groundbreaking climate governance ranking continues to spur competition, collaboration and measurable reforms across the country’s 36 states.

For years, climate discourse in Nigeria revolved largely around federal commitments, international pledges and national policy frameworks. But a new initiative spearheaded by the Society for Planet and Prosperity in partnership with the Department of Climate Change at the Federal Ministry of Environment is shifting the spotlight to state governments — where climate impacts are most directly felt.

Now in its second year, the Subnational Climate Governance Ranking assesses how states design, implement and institutionalize climate action.

President of the Society for Planet and Prosperity, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, on Thursday in Abuja at the the Peer Learning Workshop for Honourable Commissioners of Environment on Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking, said the objective of the yearly ranking is not to shame underperformers, but to encourage transparency, peer learning and accelerated action.

He said: “We are clear that this is not just about scoring. It is about galvanizing climate action at the subnational level. States are on the frontline of climate vulnerability — floods, desertification, erosion, heatwaves. Without strong state action, Nigeria cannot build meaningful resilience.”

He noted that the when the first ranking was released two years ago, skepticism trailed the exercise. Some stakeholders feared it would generate political tension or unfair comparisons, insisting that the process was evidence-based and participatory, allowing states to present documented proof of their initiatives.

He added that the outcome surprised many observers, stating that: “Between the first and second editions of the ranking, nearly all states recorded measurable improvements in climate governance performance — from the creation of climate policies and action plans to the establishment of dedicated climate institutions.”

Okereke said what we found was remarkable, “there is an incredible array of climate initiatives happening across the federation. Many states are doing far more than people assume.”

He revealed that what the assessment framework evaluates are: Existence of climate policies and action plans; Institutional arrangements, including designated commissioners or agencies responsible for climate change; Concrete implementation projects such as flood control systems, reforestation drives, renewable energy deployment and community capacity-building; Transparency and online visibility of climate information; Ability to attract and manage climate finance.

He insisted that the emphasis on climate finance reflects a key reality, noting that ambition without funding cannot translate into durable results.

He however noted that despite the progress, challenges persist, stressing that: “Many states demonstrate willingness to act but face financial constraints, limited technical expertise and inadequate institutional capacity.

Recognizing this gap, he said the organisers are expanding the initiative beyond ranking into structured peer-learning networks and tailored capacity-building programmes, stating that the aim is to help states move from drafting policies to executing them effectively.

He disclosed that at a recent gathering of state environment commissioners, participants reviewed the ranking methodology to ensure fairness and collective ownership.

“We want every state to understand the criteria and contribute to refining the framework,” he said. “If something needs adjustment, we do it together. This is a co-created process.”

Meanwhile, Commissioners of Environment have seek stronger collaboration.

The Jigawa State Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change, Nura Ibrahim, said the peer-learning engagement is expected to yield three major outcomes: targeted training programmes, stronger inter-state networking and full adoption of climate mitigation and adaptation measures.

Ibrahim, who is also the Chairman of the Commissioners’ Forum on Environment in Nigeria, said earlier concerns over unclear criteria of the ranking have largely been addressed through dialogue and transparency.

He said: “With better understanding of the methodology and engagement among commissioners, future rankings will be smoother and more impactful.”

The initiative has drawn support from development partners including the African Climate Foundation and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, among others. Their contributions have enabled the development of the ranking framework, technical reviews and stakeholder engagements.

Observers said such partnerships are critical as Nigeria seeks to unlock climate finance and strengthen accountability at all levels of government.

Stakeholders Say Climate Governance Ranking Drives Reform Across Nigeria’s 36 States

Wife of Boko Haram Commander Surrenders to Troops in Konduga Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

A female member of the Boko Haram have surrendered to the troops of Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Konduga, Borno state.

According to sources the 25-year-old woman identified as Kaltum Dalha surrendered to troops at Forward Operating Base at about 11:00 a.m. on Feb. 26.

She reportedly arrived from Sabsawa Village with her two-year-old child, Awana Dalha.

Preliminary investigations revealed that her husband, said to have been the terrorist commander of the Mairam Buri enclave, was neutralised by troops during a recent firefight as referenced in an earlier operational report.

The report indicated that the death of her husband compelled her to surrender to troops.

She further confirmed during interrogation that the group had disintegrated following the elimination of their commander.

Operation Hadin Kai has sustained intensified offensives in recent months, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorist commanders, arrests, recoveries of arms and ammunition, and the surrender of fighters and their family members

Wife of Boko Haram Commander Surrenders to Troops in Konduga Borno

Marwa: New Drug Control Master Plan to Deepen Crackdown, Strengthen Public Health Response

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) has declared that the forthcoming National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2026–2030 will mark decisive new phase in Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs, addiction, and related criminal networks.

Speaking on Thursday at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja, Marwa while receiving the final summative evaluation report on the implementation of the 2021–2025 master plan, described the review as both a scorecard of progress and a compass for future reforms.

He said the next five-year framework is being designed to consolidate operational gains recorded in recent years while closing critical gaps, particularly in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

“With the depth of preparation and the seriousness attached to the 2026–2030 Master Plan, its execution will significantly strengthen our ongoing drug control efforts,” Marwa said. “When fully implemented, it will deliver measurable improvements in public health outcomes and reinforce national security.”

According to him, Nigeria’s drug challenge remains intertwined with organised crime, insurgency financing, and youth vulnerability, making a comprehensive and coordinated response imperative.

He stressed that the new master plan will further integrate supply reduction strategies—such as seizures, arrests, and dismantling of trafficking syndicates—with demand reduction efforts, including education, counselling, and community-based rehabilitation programmes.

Marwa commended the evaluation team led by Prof. Ibrahim Wakama of the University of Maiduguri for what he described as a rigorous and objective assessment of the 2021–2025 plan.

“I must commend your diligence and professionalism,” he said. “Your recognition of the successes achieved under both the drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction pillars is well appreciated. It is important that we build on these gains as we move into the next cycle.”

The NDLEA chief expressed confidence that under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the agency would achieve even greater milestones in safeguarding communities from the devastating impact of narcotics and psychotropic substances.

Earlier, Prof. Wakawa praised Marwa’s leadership, noting that the agency had exceeded many of the targets set in the 2021–2025 framework. He said the evaluation revealed substantial progress in operational efficiency, inter-agency coordination, and public awareness campaigns.

While acknowledging areas that require strengthening—particularly in drug demand reduction—Wakawa voiced optimism that the NDLEA would address identified gaps through improved policy alignment, resource deployment, and stakeholder collaboration under the new master plan.

He was joined by Mrs. Ngozi Oguejiofor and Mrs. Ibiba Odili, both retired Assistant Commanders General of Narcotics and former heads of the NDCMP secretariat, who contributed to the evaluation process.

The National Drug Control Master Plan serves as Nigeria’s central policy blueprint for combating drug trafficking and substance abuse. It aligns law enforcement operations with prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and multi-sectoral engagement—an approach authorities say is essential to confronting a drug crisis that threatens both public health and national stability.

With preparations for the 2026–2030 plan nearing completion, stakeholders say its implementation could define the next chapter of Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign, combining tougher enforcement with a more expansive public health response.

Marwa: New Drug Control Master Plan to Deepen Crackdown, Strengthen Public Health Response