By Abdullahi Lukman
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has announced the Federal Government’s plan to plant 20 billion trees as part of Nigeria’s national reforestation and environmental sustainability efforts.
Shettima made the announcement on Saturday during a state visit to Ethiopia, where he toured several agricultural and industrial sites including Adama Dairy Farms, Luke Avocado Nursery, and Bishoftu Pea Farm.
The visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral ties in agriculture and industrial development.
The vice-president praised Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, which he officially launched during the visit, describing it as a model for combining climate action with economic opportunity.
“We intend to plant 20 billion trees in the next rainy season. It requires a lot of planning, energy, and drive—something Ethiopia has successfully mobilised,” Shettima stated.
He hailed Ethiopia’s progress in agricultural self-sufficiency, particularly its transformation from a major wheat importer to an exporter to countries like Djibouti and Kenya.
He emphasized the need for Nigeria to emulate Ethiopia’s integrated approach to environmental restoration and job creation.
“If Nigeria and Ethiopia work, Africa will work,” Shettima said, highlighting the combined population of over 350 million between the two countries as a critical driver for continental development.
Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement, described the visit as “phenomenal” and confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s intention to adopt and scale Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation model in Nigeria.
He stated that Nigeria is pursuing diversification away from oil dependency through the expansion of agricultural exports such as avocado, mango, cashew, pineapple, and cocoa.