The Federal Government has called on every Nigerian to plant at least 10 trees within their communities as part of efforts to combat desertification, restore degraded landscapes and mitigate the impact of climate change.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, made the appeal in Kano during the commemoration of Great Green Wall Day, the launch of the 2026 National Tree Planting Campaign and the inauguration of the SURRAGGWA National Steering Committee. The event was held under the theme, “The Shield: Restoring Landscapes to Silence the Sand and Dust.”
Lawal described tree planting as one of the most effective strategies for protecting the environment, preserving biodiversity and improving the livelihoods of communities. He also advocated for stronger legislation and enforcement measures to protect planted trees from indiscriminate felling and destruction.
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Sale Abubakar, disclosed that the agency has been tasked with planting more than 20 million tree seedlings nationwide in 2026.
He added that relocating the agency’s headquarters to Kano would enhance its capacity to coordinate interventions in frontline states most affected by desertification and land degradation.
Representing Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dahiru Hashim Muhammad, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting environmental restoration and climate resilience initiatives.
The Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, represented by the Magajin Garin Kano, Alhaji Nasiru Inuwa Wada, also pledged the support of the traditional institution in promoting environmental conservation and protecting newly planted trees.
Also speaking, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Hussein Gadain, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to providing technical and financial support for environmental restoration programmes.
Chairman of the NAGGW Governing Board, Senator Magnus Abe, described the initiative as a critical step towards sustainable development and environmental protection.
The event featured a visit to the agency’s headquarters in Kano, symbolic tree planting activities and the distribution of motorcycles to enhance field operations.
