By Abbas Nazil
Nigerian government’s plan to plant 20 billion trees in the next rainy season has elicited reactions from diverse stakeholders, including environmental scholars and climate activists.
NatureNews notes that Vice President Kashim Shettima, who unveiled the policy direction during a state visit to Ethiopia at the weekend, said the initiative draws direct inspiration from Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, which has seen over 25 billion trees planted since 2019.
NatureNews, Africa’s leading environmental and climate change newspaper, had in August 2024 announced its initiative to launch a 10 billion tree-planting campaign in Nigeria.
The newspaper’s initiative for a ten-year reforestation campaign, which was widely publicised, had sought the federal government’s endorsement for nationwide activation.
Analysts believe the federal government decision to scale up the target to 20 billion trees was to enable it effectively combat desertification, flooding, and biodiversity loss as well as build on a growing national consensus around environmental restoration.
A recent nationwide poll conducted by NatureNews revealed that 82% of Nigerians support a national day for tree planting, which affirms the people’s commitment to climate action and environmental resilience.
Reacting to the news outbreak on the tree-planting initiative, the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hamim Nuhu Sanusi, praised the federal government’s decision as “visionary” and emphasized the role traditional institutions can play to ensure an enduring successs of the policy.
“Planting 20 billion trees is a monumental step towards saving our planet’s Earth. I commend the government’s visionary decision in this regard,” the Emir stated.
“The traditional institution should be involved in its implementation so as to make it a lasting success.
With our experience in the semi-arid region of the country, this national tree planting initiative has further bolstered my commitment to pursuing the bold afforestation initiatives we are already implementing in my Emirate as a legacy for future generations.”
Renowned biodiversity advocate and conservationist Desmond Majekodunmi welcomed the initiative, describing it as a “tremendously good news.”
He, however, emphasised that logistics, species selection, and sustained engagement must be closely monitored.
“It’s a massive project which will require a lot of closely monitored logistics, particularly pertaining to community engagement, ecosystem-suitable species, and water supply in the more arid zones,” he cautioned.
Drawing from China’s model, he added, “We might also consider taking a lesson from the Chinese who deployed their military forces to plant trees in their ‘war against desertification’.”
Majekodunmi, who is founder of Lekki Urban Forest and Animal Sanctuary Initiative (LUFASI), urged the government to protect existing forests and the natural regrowth areas, noting they provide quicker carbon sequestration benefits.
Professor Jimmy Adegoke, emeritus Professor of Geosciences at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, USA, described the announcement as “fantastic news.”
Professor Adegoke, who is also a senior consultant to the African Development Bank (AfDB), extolled the project’s potential for reversing environmental degradation and stimulating sustainable development.
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“All hands must be on deck in supporting the implementation of this laudable initiative,” he said, adding that the plan aligns with global climate resilience goals.
In a chat with NatureNews, Climate activist Olumide Idowu, who is popularly known as Mr. Climate offered a reflective response. He applauded the new initiative but urged the federal government to address past gaps.
“Back in 2019, our government made a bold commitment to plant 25 million trees to combat climate change and enhance our carbon sink by 2030.
“Fast forward to 2025, and we are now on the brink of launching the largest reforestation campaign in our history.
But this raises an important question: Where are the trees planted in 2019 to date? Are they thriving? Are they making a real difference in our communities and ecosystems?”, he asked.
Idowu emphasised that accountability and monitoring must accompany the planting effort to ensure long-term benefits.
In his reaction, Registrar General of the Africa Institute of Waste Management and Environmental Studies (AIWMES), Dr. Ahmed Lateef Tayo praised the federal government’s scale-up of the tree initiative.
“I wholeheartedly commend the Federal Government’s initiative to plant 20 billion trees in the next rainy season, as announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima,” he stated.
“This ambitious project not only underscores Nigeria’s commitment to environmental sustainability but also highlights the critical role that reforestation plays in mitigating climate change.”
He described Ethiopia’s success as a powerful inspiration and backed the NatureNews poll that showed overwhelming public support for tree planting.
“I urge all stakeholders, government agencies, private sector entities, and civil society organizations to collaborate and ensure the success of this initiative,” Dr. Tayo added.
Internationally, Nigeria’s 20 billion tree plan stands among the most ambitious.
China has planted more than 66 billion trees since 1978, while India set a world record in 2017 by planting 66 million trees in one day.
Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative has surpassed 25 billion trees in six years, while Kenya set a target to plant 15 billion by 2032.
Analysts are of the opinion that if Nigeria pursues this initiative, it would emerge as a continental leader in ecosystem restoration.
NatureNews investigation revealed that tree planting momentum is already building across Nigeria. Borno State government recently distributed 10 million seedlings, as Kano is targeting to plan 3 million trees to combat heat waves, while Kaduna, Gombe, Ogun, and Anambra state governments are also executing localised campaigns.
Private entities such as Dangote Group, BUA Group, NNPC Foundation, and commercial banks have pledged their support alongside religious organizations and grassroots movements.
As the federal government scales up reforestation initiatives to 20 billion tree planting, the nation stands at a defining moment for climate leadership in Africa.
A keen observation noted that what began as a media-led vision has evolved into a broad-based national movement unifying traditional leaders, scientists, policymakers, and citizens toward a greener and more resilient Nigeria.
