Enugu has been named the city with the best environment in 2025, according to the Open Evaluation of Government Cities Index (OEGCI) by Statisense. The index highlights cities excelling in air and water quality, waste management, green spaces, and environmental governance.
This year’s list underscores a growing shift toward eco-conscious leadership and community-driven environmental reform across regions.
Top 18 cities with the best environment — 2025
- Enugu (South East)
- Lagos (South West)
- Abeokuta (South West)
- Ilorin (North Central)
- Onitsha (South East)
- Sokoto (North West)
- Ogbomosho (South West)
- Ibadan (South West)
- Owerri (South East)
- Maiduguri (North East)
- Abuja (North Central)
- Zaria (North West)
- Aba (South East)
- Port Harcourt (South South)
- Jos (North Central)
- Benin City (South South)
- Kano (North West)
- Kaduna (North West)
Why Enugu leads
Enugu has quietly risen to the top with initiatives such as citywide tree planting, digital waste monitoring, and renewable energy integration in public services. Its clean air index has consistently ranked among the highest in the country, and its urban recycling programs are a model for replication.
Surprise climbers and notables
Lagos, despite its massive population, clinched the second spot thanks to its aggressive push for cleaner transport and marine cleanup operations.
Sokoto, known for its arid climate, impressed with dust control, public hygiene campaigns, and green belt development, earning it the sixth spot.
Maiduguri, in a remarkable recovery story, broke into the top 10, showing that post-conflict rebuilding can align with environmental sustainability.
What OEGCI measures
The environment-focused index assesses:
Air and water quality
Urban sanitation and solid waste disposal
Tree cover and green public spaces
Environmental regulations and enforcement
Public participation in climate and sustainability projects
Public reaction and trends
The 2025 environmental ranking has sparked a mix of applause and introspection. While the South East emerged as a clear regional leader in urban environmental health, cities in the South South and North West continue to lag due to industrial pollution and inconsistent environmental policies.
Environmental advocates are now calling for inter-city partnerships to share best practices and scale solutions nationally.
Nigeria’s environmental future is no longer a fringe conversation—it’s here, it’s urgent, and cities like Enugu are leading the charge. With more states investing in sustainability and climate resilience, the hope is that next year’s list will be even greener
