Written by: Johanna Hannu
Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet), Nigeria’s leading network of civil society organisation working on climate change and sustainable development, has welcomed the successful inauguration of the Oyo State Climate Council, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening climate governance and institutional coordination in the state.
With a presence across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including Oyo State, CSDevNet continues to engage governments, development partners, communities and other stakeholders to advance climate justice, climate resilience, and sustainable development pathways across the country.
The inauguration, which was announced and led by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Engr. Dr. Ademola Temitayo Aderinto, marked a decisive shift from planning to implementation. It was immediately followed by preparations for a technical stakeholders’ retreat to review and strengthen the Oyo State Climate Action Plan (CAP).
The revised, implementation‑ready CAP is expected before the end of August 2026 and will involve Ministries, Departments and Agencies, civil society organisations, academia, development partners and climate experts.
CSDevNet emphasises that the inauguration of the Oyo State Climate Council should serve as a model for other Nigerian states, urging them to adopt similar institutional structures that can drive coordinated, inclusive and evidence-based climate action.
“Oyo State has demonstrated commendable leadership by institutionalising climate governance. We encourage other states to take similar bold steps to safeguard their people and economies from climate risks,” Hon. Engr. Dr. Ademola Temitayo Aderinto.
CSDevNet also recognises this milestone as a reflection of the growing commitment of the Oyo State Government under Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde to embed climate action within governance systems and align state‑level efforts with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and international climate obligations.
CSDevNet also acknowledges the contributions of its Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Kolawole Amusat, alongside the leadership and engagement of the National Network Coordinator Mr. Stephen Abu, both of whom have consistently engaged relevant stakeholders and advocated for stronger climate governance structures, inclusive climate policy processes, and enhanced collaboration between government and civil society actors in Oyo State and across the Southwest region. Their sustained engagements have contributed to creating an enabling environment for broader stakeholder participation in climate decision-making within the state.
For many years, sub-national climate governance in Nigeria has remained largely aspirational, with climate commitments often existing without the institutional structures needed to drive implementation.
The establishment of the Oyo State Climate Council represents an important shift toward embedding climate action within governance systems and strengthening alignment with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and international climate commitments.
Oyo State continues to experience the impacts of climate change through flooding, erosion, rising temperatures, environmental degradation and increasing pressure on natural resources. These impacts threaten livelihoods, food security, public health and economic development across the state’s 33 Local Government Areas.
Smallholder farmers face declining productivity due to changing weather patterns, while urban communities increasingly experience flood-related losses. Women, youth and low-income households remain among the most vulnerable to climate-related shocks and stresses.
As the Climate Action Plan undergoes review, CSDevNet encourages stakeholders to ensure that vulnerability assessments, greenhouse gas inventories, low-carbon development strategies, adaptation measures, and climate finance mechanisms respond directly to the realities faced by communities across the state. Effective climate action must be people-centred, evidence-based, and locally driven.
“This is the kind of decisive action Nigeria needs at the sub-national level. CSDevNet stands ready to support any state willing to strengthen climate governance and accelerate climate action,” Mr. Stephen Abu, National Network Coordinator, CSDevNet.
CSDevNet commends the Oyo State Government for taking this important step and reaffirms its commitment to supporting the successful inauguration and operationalisation of the Climate Council. The Network also looks forward to participating in the forthcoming stakeholders’ retreat and contributing technical expertise toward the development and implementation of a robust, inclusive, and science-based Climate Action Plan.
Furthermore, CSDevNet calls on the Oyo State Government to ensure meaningful participation of civil society organisations, community-based groups, women, youth, academia, and vulnerable communities throughout the climate governance process. Effective climate governance requires that the voices of those most affected by climate change are not only heard but reflected in policy decisions and implementation strategies.
The inauguration of the Oyo State Climate Council is an important milestone. The real measure of success, however, will be the collective action that follows, action that delivers tangible climate resilience, sustainable development and improved livelihoods for the people of Oyo State.
