The 2026 West Africa Climate Governance Index evaluation has recognized Lagos State as the most climate-resilient metropolis in West Africa.
Gboyega Akosile, the Lagos State Governor’s Special Advisor on Media and Publicity verified this in a statement on Thursday.
The statement ranks the state first among 209 sub-national administrations in the 15 member states of the Economic Community of West African States based on a regional assessment.
The statement further noted that the West Africa Climate Governance Index, based in France, carried out the evaluation of climate governance in the sub-region.
According to the announcement, Lagos received a Grade “A” with a score of 86.3 out of 100, outperforming Kano, Abuja, Greater Accra, Praia, Dakar, Porto Novo, Abidjan Autonomous District, São Filipe, and Bombali.
The assessment measured climate-risk exposure, governance visibility, climate funding, transparency, public participation, and implementation capacity.
“The ranking, according to WACGI, aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The research body added that its evaluation also fell within the scope and parameters of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 aspiration for a prosperous and climate-resilient Africa.
“With Lagos State emerging as the first in the 2026 Best Performing Sub-national Government in West Africa, the climate research body conferred its prestigious honour of “Grand Laureate of Climate Governance” on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for administering the most resilient climate governance structure,” the statement read.
Prof. Julie Peghini, Director of Fondation Lucien Paye, wrote to the Lagos State Government on July 8, 2026, congratulating the governor on putting policies in place to reduce climate risks and improve climate adaption.
Backstory…
Lagos’ latest recognition comes amid growing efforts by the state government to position Africa’s commercial hub as a leader in climate resilience despite increasing environmental threats.
In recent years, the state has rolled out a series of initiatives aimed at combating flooding, coastal erosion and rising sea levels, including investments in drainage infrastructure, waste management, urban greening and renewable energy.
The government has also continued work on the Lagos State Climate Action Plan while partnering with international organisations on projects designed to strengthen the city’s resilience to extreme weather events.
These efforts have gained renewed attention as climate-related disasters—including severe flooding, heatwaves and coastal erosion—have become more frequent across West Africa.
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