Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Jigawa States have emerged as the top-performing states in environmental sustainability governance at the 2026 Nigeria Environmental Sustainability Merit Awards (NESMA).

The three states were recognised under the Excellence in Environmental Governance category during the Nigerian Environmental Summit (NESt 2026) held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Federal Capital Territory.

Lagos State emerged first with a rating of 74 points for its outstanding performance in environmental policies, regulations and enforcement, while Akwa Ibom State came second with 72 points for excellence in cleanliness and municipal solid waste management.

Jigawa State ranked third with 68.5 points for achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.

Other states recognised among the top six include Cross River, which emerged fourth for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience; Abia, fifth, for improved municipal solid waste management and urban renewal; and Enugu, sixth, for strengthening its waste management system and sanitation.

The NESMA awards are coordinated by the Sustainability Awards and Scorecards Commission of the Nigerian Environmental Summit Group (NESUG).

The assessment was based on key environmental performance indicators including policy and regulatory frameworks, waste management systems, cleanliness, WASH and ODF compliance, biodiversity conservation, greening initiatives, advocacy, and resource mobilisation.

The screening panel comprised experts and representatives from key environmental institutions including the Federal Ministry of Environment, Climate Change Department, Clean Nigerian Campaign, WASH Secretariat, NESREA, Women Environmental Programme (WEP), AdasiScience, and the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (IEPN).

Also honoured at the event, Lafarge Africa Plc received the Nigeria Environmental Sustainability Pillar: Corporate Partner of the Year Award. The award was received by the company’s Director of Health, Safety and Environment, Rachael Ezembakwe.

Representing the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Mrs Adeola Omotunde, presented the awards and described the recipients’ contributions as a reflection of commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.

The Minister commended NESMA, saying the recognition would promote healthy competition among states and strengthen environmental governance across Nigeria.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to climate action, green investment, ecosystem restoration and sustainable development.

Chairman of the occasion, Dr Mutiu Sunmonu, CON, former Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), stressed that environmental leadership requires vision, accountability and collaboration.

He noted that Nigeria’s transition to a green economy depends on institutions and leaders capable of turning environmental challenges into opportunities.

The Chairman of the NESt 2026 Implementation Committee, Dr Edwin Isotu Edeh, said the awards were designed to celebrate environmental champions and encourage evidence-based sustainability practices among sub-national governments.

“The future of Nigeria’s environment will be shaped by those who take responsibility today,” Edeh said.

Earlier, the NESUG Eco-Awards Coordinator and Head of Industry and Pollution Technology Unit, NESREA, Chem. Isijaan Nkanta, said the selection process was based on merit, transparency and global best practices.

He described NESMA as one of the biggest environmental awards platforms in Nigeria, adding that the 2026 selection involved open nominations, expert reviews, nationwide voting with 5,850 responses, standardised ratings and validation.

Meanwhile, six distinguished environmental leaders were inducted into the Nigerian Environmental Sustainability Hall of Fame under the Distinguished Environmental Personality of All Time category.

The honourees include Dr Iganya Joy Agene, Prof. Oladele Osibanjo, Dr Ngeri Benebo, Sanitarian Augustine Ebisike, Rev. Nnimmo Bassey, and Ms Amina J. Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General and former Nigerian Minister of Environment.

Other notable finalists included Prof. Charles Anosike, Dr Salisu Dahiru, Mrs Damilola Fabiyi, Engr. Prof. Olu-Andah Wai-Ogosu, Dr Iroro Tanshi, and Ms Elsie Attafuah.

The organisers said the recognition was aimed at promoting environmental excellence, strengthening sustainability leadership and inspiring future generations of environmental champions.